Indiana

Bet on the C.I.B.?

By Abdul Hakim-Shabazz

What’s old is new again.  The Indianapolis Star is reporting this morning that State Representative Bill Crawford is proposing a casino for downtown Indianapolis in order to help close the Capital Improvement Board’s $47 million operational deficit.

Crawford is proposing putting 1500 slot machines in downtown Indy.  The revenue from the gaming tax on the machines would raise about $20 million.  

Reaction has been cool to out right opposed from the usual suspects. 

However, here is something for lawmakers and policy makers to think about.  The public is opposed to raising taxes.  The Colts have basically said hell will freeze over before they contribute another dime to Lucas Oil.  The Pacers are broke.  And there is only so much the CIB can cut before it becomes counter productive.  

So under those circumstances, if anyone has a better idea on how to solve this problem, under this current climate, I’m all ears.

Full post as published by Indiana Barrister on April 10, 2009 (boomark / email).