WILDER, Ky. – The passage of casinos in Ohio on Tuesday will take more money away from Kentucky, argued Rep. Dennis Keene, D-Wilder.
“Our people already spend millions each year gambling in Indiana and now Ohio is there to take a piece of the pie. Kentucky must act now to protect our signature horse industry and create jobs on our side of the river.”
Keene, the Chairman of the Licensing & Occupations Committee in Kentucky’s House of Representatives, championed legislation geared towards saving Kentucky’s horseracing industry, creating jobs and putting money into schools during the June special session.
The legislation passed the Democratic-controlled House with bi-partisan support but was killed in a Senate committee.
“We are under tremendous pressure now to act fast before Ohio dominates the market,” said Keene. “Our plan will add jobs in Kentucky and will provide $1 billion to replace our crumbling, dilapidated schools across Kentucky.”
Keene plans to support similar legislation again when the General Assembly goes into session on Jan. 5, 2010.
“We cannot afford to leave millions of dollars on the table that could go towards education,” he said. “We also need every job we can create for the people of Kentucky.”
Kentucky’s plan included $3 million to deal with the negative effects of gambling.
“Currently we have no funds to deal with problem gambling and its
effects on families,” said Keene. “We have the problems currently because gambling is all around us.”
With the introduction of a casino in downtown Cincinnati, it could potentially be a $1 billion-per-year gambling market. Kentucky estimates nearly $700 million
in revenue from the House proposal if passed.
According to the representative, Kentuckians already spend millions of dollars each year at casinos in Indiana which are in close proximity to Kentucky’s borders, particularly in Northern Kentucky and Louisville.
Keene represents the 67 House District in Campbell County that includes the cities of Newport, Bellevue, Dayton, Wilder, Southgate, Woodlawn and Highland Heights.
For more information, visit http://www.denniskeene.com/.
