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Tax Grab Worries Mississippi Leaders

BILOXI, Mississippi – As reported by the Biloxi Sun Herald: "The Coast could lose millions of dollars if the cash-strapped state of Mississippi tries to increase its take of casino taxes, a scenario that Biloxi Mayor A.J. Holloway calls "catastrophic."

"Someone apparently floated a trial balloon about halving the share of casino tax money local governments receive to plug state budget holes and the talk has South Mississippi leaders and lawmakers worried.

"With the state's budget crunch and legislators from non-gambling counties often taking the view that casino areas are flush with cash, local leaders view the talk as a clear and present danger, not just idle chatter.

"Holloway has become so concerned that he approached local legislators and on Wednesday talked to Gov. Haley Barbour.

"…The Coast could lose millions of dollars in future tax revenues. Each month, cities, counties and school districts receive hundreds of thousands of dollars from the taxes.

"…A Barbour press spokesman said, 'The governor has no plans to do it and no plans to even address this issue at this time.'…"

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