Church Groups Claim Victory in KY Casino Fight
By: Import User
Updated: March 28, 2008
Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear said Thursday that his casino initiative is "dead" for this legislative session, though there is a chance it may be resurrected during committee hearings next week. Beshear hoped to use an estimated $600 million in casino revenue annually to help offset the states expected $900 million budget shortfall over the next two years.
"The biggest disappointment to me is the revenue that we could have generated from expanded gaming in a time when we need it very desperately," said Beshear.
As passionate as the governor was about bringing casinos to Kentucky, grass roots organizers were just as charged up about keeping them out. They gathered for a massive rally at the state house in early March, and Friday, said lawmakers got their message. Kelly VanderKooi, of the Owensboro Greater Hope Baptist Church, lead a contingent of casino opponants to that rally. He said lawmakers heard their message of morality, but also listened to their concerns about how casinos might bankrupt the state socially.
"You cant hurt the people and expect to put more money in the government and that make it OK," VanderKooi said.
He said church groups who organized to help defeat gambling in 2008 will continue to fight it, as often as the issue comes up. 2010 may be the next time the general assembly considers the question.
