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Kansas Legislator Hopes to Allow Casinos and Fund Schools in The Process

Kansas has previously tried using slots to support many causes, but it has never succeeded in passing any new laws allowing casino operations to happen. Nevertheless, on Wednesday, December 13, 2006, Senate Democratic Leader Anthony Hensley of Topeka, said that the planned expansion of casino gambling in the area can be used to pay for the much needed repairs of Kansas universities. He added that it is a good way to use the money earned from casinos in the area. 6 public universities in Kansas announced that they are desperate for $727 million worth of repairs in order to maintain and protect their facilities for their students.

Just last year, the Kansas Board of Regents proposed a plan to increase taxes for the purpose of repairing the universities, but the plan was shot down by the legislature. Expansion of casino gambling in the area is a hotly-contested issue before the state legislature. Thus far, the planned proposals of additional funds for public universities and reducing the property taxes in the area have failed to be approved or advanced. According to Hensley, the expansion in the gambling industry may have a chance in the 2007 legislative session, which begins in January, because the composition of the House has changed to people who may support this proposal.

Hensley added that his proposed law would be like the one that was hotly debated last year, allowing resort-type casino facilities in the area and slot machines placed at pari-mutuel tracks in Kansas. The proposed plan is expected to raise around $150 million annually for the Kansas budget. Hensley further stated that the money would be allotted to the needed repairs of the universities, community colleges and vocational-technical schools in the area. After a period of 5 years, Kansas will decide where to place the funds.

The executive director of the anti-gambling group STAND-UP, Glenn Thompson, said that he firmly believes that the state legislature should reject the casino bills because of both the economic and social effects that gambling could have on the community. Allotting funds for universities is the same line that casino supporters take every time. A spokesman for the regents, Kip Peterson, said that the school boards appreciate Hensley's intent and the recognition of an on-going problem. Peterson added that in the legislative session next year, they are hoping that the legislature and the governor will find a way to address the problems of the schools.

 

Thursday, January 18 , 2007
Edward O'Connor