SEARCH NEWS:

 

Louisiana Casino Charity Bill Endorsed

LOUISIANA – As reported by the (Louisiana) Advocate: "By a slim margin, a House panel endorsed legislation Wednesday that would end a ban on campaign contributions by riverboat gambling interests.

"The House and Governmental Affairs Committee voted 5-4 to allow riverboats and their top managers to contribute to politicians' campaigns.

"…Gov. Kathleen Blanco said she will let House members know of her opposition to the legislation.

"…Blanco said the law that banned political contributions has been found constitutional and she sees no reason to get rid of it now.

"Proponents said the law -- adopted in 1996 -- went too far in limiting the industry's rights.

"Industry lobbyist Hank Braden said riverboat casinos are the only part of the gambling industry unable to contribute to political campaigns and that's unfair.

"…State law bans casinos, their owners and top management from contributing to campaigns. In Louisiana, between 250 and 300 management employees are in that category, out of 14,700 casino industry employees…"

< Gaming News