Supporters of a Maryland ballot initiative to expand gambling have touted it as a boon for education funding, but opponents say that claim is just a bluff.
Ballot Question 7 would legalize table games at the state’s casinos and allow a new gambling facility in Prince George’s County. Legislative analysts project it would generate an extra $713 million a year by 2019 — $199 million of which would go to the state’s Education Trust Fund.
But opponents and budget analysts say the trust fund does not actually supplement school spending. Instead, it frees up general funds that would have otherwise gone to education, meaning that it has zero net effect on overall education spending.
16 comments:
Having been unemployed for some time now, my biggest conceren with this issue is jobs.
Slots alone don't create that many jobs. Table game not only create jobs for people dealing cards, spinning the Roulete wheel, pit bosses that must watch the dealers and spinners to keep them honest, while others watch the pit bosses.
The more traffic that the Casino's attract also increase jobs in hospitality, hotel-motel, restaurant and food service industries.
Table games will produce far more jobs than slots alone. My mind is made up and I have already voted.
What's disturbing isn't necessarily the possibility of facts being spun by one side or the other. What's disturbing is that not one ad has noted that it sends the wrong message to our children that the only way we (the grown ups) can figure out how to fund your education is to build dens of sin. That it's OK to gamble. That it's OK to put the financial burden on those least able to support it, senior citizens and lower income people, the two groups most likely to gamble.
I hold out hope that the citizens of Maryland find their scruples and vote this down based on ethics rather than dollars.
Regardless of the education factor, it's a win for MD either way. What sane person wants our hard earned money going to another state? $550 million is a cubic yard of $100 bills, lets keep it here. Vote FOR question 7.
this is purely politcal so MArtin o-smelly can tout he increased funds for schools, when all he did was TAKE from the education fund. this is nothing by a topic he can hang his hat on for president in 2016. democrats wouldnt do it for bob erlich but they will for martin o'smelly, makes you say hmmmmmmmmmmmm, this does NOTHING for the children, only for the casino owners and their buddies at the highest levels of governement. its corruption fool, its just not the mafia
No on 7 + 6 ...
I am a conservative and a member of the Republican party, but on this piece of legislation - I have broken ranks with my party. Even though most of the present and former Republican leadership espouses voting for expanding legalized gambling - I am against it.
It sends a wrong message to our youth that it is okay to gamble. Also, I have a problem with the gaming proceeds going towards education. It should go towards trying to generate businesses. Look - the BOE has been expanding like none other and where does our Country rank in comparison to other well developed countries. We lag way behind.
Personally, I feel the eductional system needs to be revamped from the top down. Any organization that seeks to enjoin the average taxpaying citizens wallets to enhance a particular class of people's lifestyle - (i.e. school teachers union) - ought to be deemed illegal.
LET THE REVOLUTION BEGIN - VOTE AGAINST EXPANDING GAMBLING.
"LET THE REVOLUTION BEGIN - VOTE AGAINST EXPANDING GAMBLING.". AMEN Brother!
gambling is bad, mkay
Vote NO on 7 & 6.
Gambling is already legal you pinheads, expand the job market.
I got a question.
One ad says a billion Maryland dollars go to West Virginia to its gambling halls.
Where does West Virginia spend that billion. That state isn't known for good education. So how's it helped them?
Thanks if anyone knows the answer.
name calling is bad, m'kay
THANK YOU, 11:05, I think you just gave us our best answer! You are right! WV is not known for scholars!
Can anyone please rost the actual text of the existing laws on Maryland Gambling so we can read in the law exactly what percentage of the income should be spent on rducation, so we can all read it and make our own decisions?
Why haven't the proposers of expanded gambling POSTED this information?
Getting the picture? Anyone? Beuller?
Democrats made this deal behind closed doors in a special session. They are trying to cram more crap down the throats of Marylanders just like the democrats did with health care. The democratic party can not be trusted at all. And the republican party establishment isn't much better. It's time to re-boot this government and get new people in that will speak for the people.
doesnt matter which side is lying. the real question is if you want to spend your money in a casino. no more, no less. who cares where the money goes afterwards?
YES on 7 & 6
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