Governor Beshear proposes Kentucky casinos

Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear gave his 2008 State of the State address to the legislators in Frankfort and before a statewide TV audience Tuesday night, which included his calling for a constitutional amendment to allow casino gaming--which would include racetracks--in the Bluegrass. Beshear told the lawmakers that expanded limiting gaming would produce $500 million annually in tax revenue.

“In the coming weeks, I will be submitting to this General Assembly a constitutional amendment which would allow the people of our state to vote on whether to allow limited expanded gaming in Kentucky,” said Beshear. “I call upon you to pass that amendment and place it on November's ballot. I trust the people of this state to make the correct decision. It is time that you also place your trust in them.

“Kentuckians have overwhelmingly indicated that they want the right to vote on this issue, and it is time that you allow them to do so,” added Beshear, who also pointed out that “each year thousands of Kentuckians visit (casinos on bordering states) and spend over $1 billion of their entertainment money. Do we want Kentucky money continuing to benefit the people of other states, or do we want to bring it home to improve the quality of life of our own people?”

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