Florida Lawmakers Hurt State Budget With 2009 Gambling Decisions

Many people will take the time over the next twenty four hours to try and figure out what is lacking in their lives and make commitments to change that area in the new year. For Florida legislators, that change might be a better perspective.

Legislators in Florida spent the better part of 2008 trying to have a gambling compact between the governor of the state and the Seminole Indians voided. They ended up getting their way by the third quarter of the year, but with the economy in the dumps, it has cost Floridians dearly.

Hurt by the fact that the compact was negotiated without their input, legislators used the state Supreme Court to their benefit. The compact being voided has cost the state over $100 million so far, and that number is growing by the day.

In the first legislative session of 2009, these lawmakers will try to accomplish a feat that has already been done. They are expected to continue negotiations with the Seminole Indians to come up with a compact for the tribe's expanded gambling.

The rumor is that the compact will not be much different than the one that Governor Charlie Crist signed in December of 2007. The only difference this time will be that legislators had their say.

"These lawmakers are trying to come up with ways to help a $2.3 billion deficit. How can they sit and that room with a clear conscience and know that they, themselves, have cost the state over $100 million because of their egos?" said Florida resident Jack Thompson.

Even as people lose their jobs in Florida and the budget deficit grows, state lawmakers insist on not admitting their mistake. Senator J.D. Alexander is urging lawmakers not to respond to the governor's request to use money from the Indian agreement to help balance the budget.

Alexander's answer to helping the budget is to cut government funded programs even further than they already have been cut. The states education system will be the most effected if that is the route lawmakers take.

As 2008 comes to a close, one can only hope that these lawmakers choose their New year's resolutions wisely, and undo the damage they have done by blocking the good work of Governor Crist.

December 31, 2008
Posted By Larry Rutherford
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
Submit News!