Governor Beshear Stays Stubborn On Gambling Issue In Kentucky

Governor Steve Beshear has one vision for the future of casino gambling in the state of Kentucky, and he wants to ensure that his plan is the only one that will be heard. That is why he has rejected an attempt to offer an alternative to his gaming plan in an upcoming special session of legislature.

Senate President David Williams has offered an alternative proposal to slot gambling at state racetracks. The governor's response was to tell Williams, thanks, but no thanks.

"Unlike my proposal, President Williams' proposal would not create alternative sources of revenue," said Beshear. So without any further conversation among lawmakers, Beshear has decided that it will be his gambling plan, or no plan at all.

Unfortunately for Beshear, in order for his plan to go into effect, he is going to have to have some cooperation from lawmakers, and dismissing their ideas without discussion has been proven not to be the best way to have get lawmakers on your side.

"If the House is prohibited from having the entire story," said Williams, "I don't think there is any way in the world that this bill will pass the House of Representatives." Williams comments indicate that Governor Beshear's gambling bill will not even reach his branch.

The governor would like to add video gambling machines at state racetracks. The tracks are having problems financially, and their purses are shrinking. That has left owners of the tracks scrambling for ways to raise revenue and add to the race purses.

June 6, 2009
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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