Governor Crist Proposes Budget Based On Gambling Compact Approval

Governor Charlie Crist is not giving up in his efforts to agree to a gambling compact with the Seminole Indians. The governor's latest attempt to persuade legislators to approve the compact came Monday with an educational budget increase.

The governor of Florida has been attempting to cut a deal with the Seminoles since 2007. His attempts have been futile thanks to lawmakers' insistence on blocking the deal. Still, Crist believes the millions of dollars in revenue that would come from the compact are necessary.

The increase in the educational budget would equate to an additional $179 per student. It would be an increase of almost three percent, and the first of its kind in the past two years.

The Florida education system has struggled with budget cuts for the past several years. In some areas of the state, music classes and extracurricular sports activities have been cut. In addition, students have been slow to receive necessary materials within the classroom because of the cuts.

Legislators have turned away the last compact deal earlier this month. Instead, lawmakers are considering expanding gambling at pari-mutuels, which would also increase revenue to the state. The pari-mutuel proposal being discussed would allow for longer hours of operation and a lower tax rate.

As far as the Seminole compact, Crist believes that even though lawmakers have not give their approval, it is something that needs to be addressed further during this legislative session.

"It's very important," said Crist, "To leave hundreds of millions of dollars on the table when we have an opportunity to get that approved and benefit these children, why wouldn't you do it? It's common sense."

January 25, 2010
Posted By Tom Jones
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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