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Mississipi Casino Courses Bill Faces Long Odds13 February 2001JACKSON. Mississippi – Feb. 13, 2001 –As reported by the Mississippi Sun Herald: "Legislation that would allow casino-related courses to be taught in some Mississippi public colleges and universities has passed the House for a fourth year, but is expected to stall in the Senate, where it has died in committee three times. "Supporters say Mississippi is losing the chance to train its people for management jobs in an industry that officials say took in $2.65 billion last year, pumped nearly $315 million in taxes into state and local coffers, and currently employs 30,000 Mississippi residents. "Opponents say gambling destroys families and should not be condoned or encouraged by state institutions. "Past legislation that would have allowed casino-related courses at colleges and junior colleges statewide was attacked as `too broad,' said bill sponsor Rep. Diane Peranich, D-Pass Christian. "…Peranich said casinos are hiring top managers from other states, and that out-of-state schools are crossing the border to teach Mississippi workers. "Her legislation would allow casino courses to be taught in Harrison County at the University of Southern Mississippi's Gulf Coast campus and at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. "…Shannon Bybee, executive director of the University of Nevada's International Gaming Institute in Las Vegas, said states should recognize that condoning casino courses injects professionalism into the industry…" |