The Special Session did what the Legislature had to do based on the call of the Governor. A Slots Bill was approved and passed with many important exclusions. A Bill passed that allows the State of Florida to direct the Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering to draft rules and regulations to govern the slots machines.
The tax rate was somewhat compromised and the number of machines was set and the hours of operations. The only entities included in this bill are thoroughbred horse principles. Why? Because the horse track worked out a compromise with the breeders, owners, etc. Greyhounds, Standardbreds and Jai Alai players are still dangling by our thumbs.
It was apparent from the opening of the session that the leadership of both chambers were just interested in passing a basic bill - without amendments endangering the bill's success. In an effort to acknowledge our interests, we three entities were permitted to present our issues to the committees and the House gave us the courtesy of presenting our amendment on the Floor for an up or down vote. The amendment failed 47 yeas to 68 nays. This negative vote was assured by the House leadership as no chances were going to be taken to kill the passage of the entire bill.
It is important for our greyhound men and women to know that ALL Florida greyhound tracks had opposed any purse enhancement or other language dealing with our position with the track involved. This has been their position since Day One of this process prior to the 2005 Legislative Session. The Legislature took no chances of them blowing up this Slots Bill - that BY LAW - they needed to pass.
The FGA, the Standbred Horse people and the Jal Alai players will be working to get our collective amendment into this bill in the 2006 Session - so that all is in place before the Slots are permitted to begin in Broward County.
Amendment Proposed
(Direct Link to Proposed Amendment)
House Vote Roll Call
(Direct Link to Roll Call Vote)
Below a selection of articles from around the state has been posted to provide you an complete recap of this past week in the Florida Legislature. For those joining us in Tallahassee - we thank you for your interest and hard work. We believe everyone leaves the Capital with a clearer knowledge of how the legislative process works.
And, the saga continues!
Fresh Talk: Don't count on a casino in Daytona Beach
Monday, December 12, 2005
And, the saga continues!
1)Slots rules to be set in 6 months, but some expect delays
Sunday, December 11, 2005
2)Slots deal doesn't make any horse sense
Sunday, December 11, 2005
3)Anti-gambling legislators bet voters understand 'yes' vote
Sunday, December 11, 2005
As the dust begins to settle!
1) Gov. Bush to sign law that will allow slot machines
Saturday, December 10, 2005
2) Slots Bill Raising Concerns
Friday, December 09, 2005
3) What to expect in new era (MUST READ FOR ALL!)
Saturday, December 10, 2005
Slots one step closer!
1) Deal is reached to allow slots in Broward
Thursday, December 08, 2005
2) Legislative deal allows 6,000 slot machines in Broward by mid-2006
Thursday, December 08, 2005
3) House passes bill to tax slots 50%
Thursday, December 08, 2005
4) Legislators set 50% tax rate as 6,000 slot machines approved for Broward
Friday, December 09, 2005
5)Finally, the truth on slots Friday, December 09, 2005
6)IN MY OPINION: Nobody asked slots experts for their opinions
Thursday, December 08, 2005
2005 Session & Links
The major issues of the 2005 Session and coverage of Slot Issue. Here you can find all links to the issues and the Bills that were left hanging.
