Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Gambling Away Prosperity

West Virginia Senate Bill 550 recently was signed into law, and it's,pure and simple, just plain bad governance and bad news for West Virginia.


SB550 gives away $100 million in our tax dollars to gambling dens, so that they can buy new slot machines and other stuff to fleece the
unwary public.


I stood up and spoke in the House of Delegates, asking "How come we can afford to finance and encourage West Virginia betting parlors, but can't afford to completely do away with our regressive grocery tax, which hurts those of us who are the most vulnerable?".


I'm still waiting for an answer that makes good sense.


West Virginia is a wonderful place to live, and it's far past time for West Virginia to stop being infamous for bars, strip clubs, and clip joints.

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5 comments:

  1. Stephen McElroyApril 13, 2011 at 3:43 AM

    The Question: "How come we can afford to finance and encourage West Virginia betting parlors, but can't afford to completely do away with our regressive grocery tax, which also hurts those of us who are the most vulnerable?".

    Their arrogance exhibited in their lack of response can be summed up "Because we can" They can give, and they can take away. Of course the millions of dollars that were and are being added to the campaign coffers by the gambling interests, have nothing to do with their decision.

    Just as the fact that senior citizens, who do not typically donate much campaign money, were promised revenues from the lottery proceeds but much of that was transferred to more needy issues. Because they can.

    The good ol boy, special interest Democrats must be replaced.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousApril 13, 2011 at 10:15 AM

    Larry,
    I was and continue to be against gambling. It was sold to West Virginia that there would be income for the State, for education, etc.. Of course, that's what they said in Maryland when they instituted the Lotto. Education would have more money and no taxes. Ha, ha!
    If gaming is so lucrative, why can't they buy their machines??? It is true, the house ALWAYS wins.
    A Maryland Refugee

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousApril 13, 2011 at 10:28 AM

    Delegate Kump,
    I agree that putting money into the gambling parlors is not good - I applaud you for your awareness on this issue - thanks for the update!
    Worried in Wheeling

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousApril 14, 2011 at 12:23 PM

    The more I look into this, the more you have to run for re-election, and I am going to fight like hell to eliminate tax dollars for casinos and the grocery tax.

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousApril 14, 2011 at 2:03 PM

    We knew you would do a good job.
    Please keep on standing up for all of us!

    ReplyDelete

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