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WHY CASINOS in TEXAS?
Texas needs a new plan to come up with revenues - other than our raising taxes or "fees"!
Governor Perry and most legislators have repeatedly said they want to provide tax relief while finding OTHER SOURCES of MONEY.
Shouldn't Texans have the choice
on what options they'd prefer!
Voter Options could include:
1. Significantly Increased Taxes (sales tax, services tax, payroll tax, a state income tax and more are being considered by legislative leaders.)
2. More Draconian Budget Cuts which mean slashed essential social and public safety services.
-OR-
1. A Constitutional Amendment that would create new/fresh revenue for state and local governments of approximately $4.5 billion annually.
2. Create over 300,000 permanent new jobs
3. Generate approximately $12 billion in new construction and enhance tourism in Texas, etc.
CONCLUSION:
Casino-anchored destination resorts could be the "economic engine" that generates a huge boost into our depressed economy.
Why Would Casinos Be Approved by the Voters?
- Property Tax Relief- Virtually every option available to significantly raise revenues for state and local governments, public education, or other worthy public purposes involves an extraction from the public. (increased taxes, fees and/or reduced services, etc.)
- Taxpayers are already burdened with as much or more than they can bear. Would you like to have a choice between higher taxes or a "voluntary payment" at casino entertainment venues?
- We’re already gambling. Why not keep tax revenues in Texas - instead of sending these benefits out of state?
- Casinos create Good New Jobs for Texans - The prospective gaming referendum legislation should create over 300,000 permanent new jobs in Texas. (The average income for casino workers is over $23 per hour and some casino employees earn up to $90/hr.)
- Casinos are a "Voluntary Tax" - on those who wish to participate in the entertainment of gaming. (The average casino patron in Louisiana and Mississippi spends about $110 per visit, which is similar to a major sports event, music concert, night out at the theater, etc.)
- Casinos Support other Business Activity - In locations that have welcomed casinos, reliable sales tax data show that existing local businesses either hold their own or perform better after the casino opens. Benefits to local businesses exist because of new tourism and because casinos increase employment opportunities and incomes in local communities, thus expanding the income available for consumer purchases.
- Gaming stimulates public spending and actually enhances the business climate and competitiveness of the state. Additonally, as an ongoing source of state revenues, casino gaming offers excellent stability and growth prosperities.
- Perceptions have changed - Acceptability of casino gambling is at its highest level in years. 85 percent of Americans view casino gambling as an acceptable activity for themselves or others. Most people understand the widespread economic benefits to the local economy and other industries and businesses within the region where commercial casinos operate.
- A recent poll conducted by Baselice and Associates shows 85% of Texans want to vote on this issue. In 2004 Let The Voters Decide polled two dry (no liquor sales) counties, mostly conservative voters, who worshiped at Baptist Church of Christ churches: over 80% of these voters wanted to vote on the issue.
- Regulating and Taxing Gambling means less crime and more revenues - Texas Casino legislation would significantly reduce the massive unregulated gambling activities that are currently operating in Texas. Those billions of dollars in annual "action" would be diverted into legal casinos, which means this activity would be regulated and taxed for the benefit of all Texans.
- Safeguards Built Into Legislation - The proposed casino legislation would mandate funding and training for casino supervisors to spot compulsive problem gamblers and refer them to appropriate counseling, at no cost to the subject. Vigorous enforcement of underage gambling prohibition would be mandated casino policy.
[Sources: Shreveport-Bossier Convention & Tourist Bureau; Sources: Walker and Jackson, "New Goods and Economic Growth: Evidence from Legalized Gambling;" Hart/ Luntz Research Co: NFO WorldGroup, Inc; The Tulia Herald; The Perryman Group]
Today, many other states and their economies are flourishing due to overwhelming success of the commercial casino industry. Texas deserves the same.
SIGNIFICANT ECONOMIC, TOURISM, EMPLOYMENT and REDEVELOPMENT BENEFITS.
Texas' failure to pass casino legislation would squander our state's last Window of Opportunity to participate in the significant economic, tourism, employment and redevelopment benefits that limited casino gaming would generate for all Texans.
Now is the time to act...
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GENERATE REVENUE WITHOUT RAISING TAXES
Within reasonable limits, legalized casino gambling is a good way for cities and states to generate revenue without having to raise all Texans' taxes.
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American Perceptions Of Casino Entertainment
PERCEPTIONS HAVE CHANGED
More than three-quarters of Americans who frequently attend religious services believe casino gambling is acceptable for themselves or others.
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