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Minnesota Taxpayer-Religious Coalition Fights Gambling

ST. PAUL, Minnesota – As reported by the Bemidji Pioneer: "A taxpayers' group is joining with a religious coalition to urge Minnesotans – and their legislators – to oppose more gambling.

"The Taxpayers League of Minnesota Tuesday launched radio commercials saying that the state would not make money from gambling, given the social expenses it would bring. The Joint Religious Legislative Coalition mailed a letter to 8,000 clergy, as well as other supporters, around the state urging them to oppose more gambling on the basis that it is not good stewardship.

"Brian Rusche, executive director of the religious group, said a recent University of Illinois study showed just $34 benefits from gambling per citizen compared to $190 in social expenses ranging from additional crime costs to jobs lost when a new casino opens.

"Rusche said religious leaders might find a proposal to build a casino for two poor northwest Minnesota American Indian bands more acceptable than other ideas…"

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