They’re saying they can raise $630 million annually in new state revenue and another $230 million in charitable donations annually.
That’s what leaders of Profit Minnesota are claiming as they’re poised to announce a “grass-roots effort” to expand state-regulated gaming in bars and restaurants.
The campaign’s details will be announced Tuesday at a Capitol news conference.
In a statement, Dan O’Gara, president of the Minnesota Licensed Beverage Association, said:
“I think we all understand that Minnesota is in the midst of extremely challenging economic times. We’re not going to simply fix our problems by continually raising taxes or slashing important state services. We need to be innovative in solving our budget deficit by creating immediate non-tax revenue. That’s exactly what our coalition is trying to do.”
The MLBA is a member of the Profit Minnesota coalition of more than 4,900 bars and restaurants.
You can see Profit Minnesota’s web commercial below and can go to the group’s website to learn more about its campaign.
Those who think gambling revenues are the solution to our fiscal problems should read the latest issue of Time, for the article on the failure of gambling in Atlantic City.
This never-ending re-hash of what will save us from further budget pitfalls. The lottery was supposed to have done that….oh wait they outspent the proceeds. Why not legalize gambling….just because it should be.
Now that I have regained my senses….Profit Minnesota really thinks a state that turned smoking in bars into a crimminal activity….will be ok with gambling in bars?
Such a move would cause great harm to Indian-owned and operated casinos that are now the only means of income for many tribe members.
There are better ways to raise revenue. Progressive taxation comes to mind.