January 6, 2006

In the news

Casino Gambling issue heats up in KY...

The Lexington Hearld-Leader reports that a recent poll of 801 Kentuckians by the Kentucky Equine Education Project, ("KEEP") (Remember the "Indiana Sucks billboards?) found:

• 58.2 percent said they would vote to allow casino gambling;

• 52.5 percent said they would vote against a constitutional amendment for casinos specifically limited to racetracks;

• 65.2 percent said they would vote for casinos at tracks if a portion of the revenue is spent on public education, health care, local governments and the environment;

• 63.1 percent said they would vote for nine casinos at tracks and other locations if a portion of the revenue is thus dedicated;

• 92.1 percent said they want the legislature to allow a vote on the issue.

The poll was completed, KEEP said, on Dec. 22 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points.

According to more detailed results on KEEP's Web site, support for casinos varies widely by congressional district, with support strongest in Louisville and weakest in far Eastern and far Western Kentucky.


However, in a separate article it was also noted that:

Campaign contributions to legislators from KEEP and other elements of the horse industry won't change the political dynamics relating to expanded gambling.

First, Gov. Ernie Fletcher will have to come down from the fence and say he really, really, really wants casinos in Kentucky and is willing to spend what little political capital he has left (if any) in pursuit of that goal.

Until then lawmakers in general and House Democratic leaders in particular won't let his administration reap the benefits of the additional revenue expanded gambling will generate while they take the political hit from the anti-gambling crowd.


January 4, 2006 (INDIANAPOLIS) — Small business owners and managers can connect to the people and resources for their small business needs at the Indiana Chamber of Commerce’s annual Small Business Day at the Statehouse on Tuesday, February 7 in downtown Indianapolis.

Attendees will interact with top Hoosier business consultants and state government officials to learn valuable tactics, plus meet with Indiana lawmakers on issues vital to small business.

This daylong event features six working sessions and includes a luncheon — sponsored by Chase — honoring the Indiana Chamber’s 2005 Small Business Champion award winners from the state Legislature, as well as the Indiana Small Business of the Year.

Small Business Day at the Statehouse takes place at the Indiana Convention Center.

Cost is $99 per person. To register to attend, visit www.indianachamber.com or call (317) 264-6885 or (800) 824-6885.

Here is a link to the State Chamber's 2006 Legislative Agenda in PDF Format CLICK HERE

1 comment:

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