There were several disappointing no votes in the State Government Innovation Committee on March 19. Sen. Paul Gazelka was one, voting against allowing Racinos and using the revenue to fund higher education in Minnesota.
Racinos are a smart idea, and nearly 80 percent of Minnesotans agree. On top of the dollars these facilities will bring in for public education, we know that multiple industries — construction, hospitality and agriculture — will experience an economic boost from the time of their groundbreaking to ongoing operations. Bottom line: Racinos will grow jobs and provide immediate revenue. We need to pursue the best option on the table that has a proven track record in other states.
Tell Sen. Gazelka that ignoring the will of the people to elevate the agenda of special interests is not good policy (651-296-4875 or sen.paul.gazelka@senate.mn). Minnesotans want to see meaningful results this session and that includes passing Racino legislation in 2012.
Fred Pelzer
Royalton
Comments (4)
Add commentQuestion Your Legislator
When nearly 80% of Minnesotans favor Racinos, why are our Legislators continually voting in opposition? Our elected officials continue to vote against a new source of revenue for the State that will cost the voters nothing and will bring about $230,000,000 to the table each bi-annual cycle. If Racinos are not allowed, Minnesota will certainly lose the horse racing industry to the 14 states that currently have racinos (and that have enjoyed double and triple inflation numbers in their agriculturally affiliated equine industries.) Write your legislators at the addresses available to you at www.leg.mn and ask them why they continue to vote against a $ Billion industry, jobs, and money for education. Unless they hear from their constituents, it will be business as usual. Don't leave this up to someone else because, right now, the someone elses they are hearing from are busy running untaxed casinos right down the roads that you paid for!
I don't know why
Gazelka, whom I support, would vote no on this. My only theory is he didn't want to waste the money on higher education, and this I would agree. If Racinos ever come to light, let us use the money on something for the state as a whole.
Money is Money
Actually, the Racino people don't really care where the money goes as long as it goes to Minnesota. The Racino people are trying to save the racing industry. The money is a freebie to the state that can go where ever it is needed. It is another by-product of racing that is a huge benefit to the taxpayers.
Seriously, RichRule?
You don't know why he would vote "no" on gambling? You do understand that "conservative Christians" are not huge fans of funding government through additional "sinful" gambling, right? And, if anything, Sen. Gazelka votes and constructs amendments (w/Alec help) based on his religious views, which is his right.