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Washington State Lawmakers Refocus on Gambling

"`We need responsible, non-regressive funding of state government,' said Bellingham Mayor Mark Asmundson.

"...Former Gov. Mike Lowry said gambling is detrimental to the quality of life in Washington and hits low-income people the hardest.

"...The House budget proposal includes about $28 million in anticipated revenues from offering keno games every five minutes at 4,600 locations. Currently there is one keno drawing per day and 2,600 ticket outlets.

"...A bigger game, with much higher stakes, is also playing out among House Democrat budget negotiators. They have been unable to sell a $350 million sales tax increase to enough House members to get a state budget passed.

"The Entertainment Industry Coalition stepped into the void with a proposal to allow state-controlled electronic pull tabs in non-Indian casinos. Players would play against the system, instead of against the machine, said Rep. Bill Grant, D-Walla Walla, House majority caucus chairman. Grant also sits on the House Appropriations Committee.

"The games would be run by the Washington Lottery.

"...Rep. Jeff Morris, D-Anacortes, who is also unwilling to vote for a sales tax increase, says expanded gambling would help pay the bills and keep small businesses alive.

"...Lynden City Council member Gary Bode says gambling costs more than it contributes to communities.

"...Bellingham City Council member Terry Bornemann says lawmakers are taking the easy way out.

"...Sen. Harriet Spanel, D-Bellingham, agrees that lawmakers need to tackle the state's tax structure..."

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