Senate panel considers plan to expand gambling around the state
By Linda Kleindienst
Tallahassee Bureau Chief
Copyright © 2007, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Friday, April 20, 2007
TALLAHASSEE · Florida's cash-strapped public schools could get an infusion of almost $2 billion next year under a proposal to expand legalized gambling throughout the state.
The Senate Finance and Tax Committee on Thursday approved a plan to let the state's 32 pari-mutuel permit-holders each install 1,500 video lottery terminals. Other than dog and horse racing or jai-alai, the only state-sanctioned gambling now exists in Broward County, where slot machines have been authorized by voters.
Previous attempts to win legislative approval of the video terminals have failed, most recently because of staunch opposition from former Gov. Jeb Bush and little support from any group other than the state's pari-mutuel lobby.
But the plan, which narrowly passed the committee by a 3-2 vote, has the backing this year of Associated Industries of Florida, the state's largest business lobby.
"This is the first time we have supported this because we recognize that it's good for business and economic development," said Barney Bishop, AIF president. "The state needs the revenue and this would only allow gambling to go on where it already exists. The state would regulate it, tax it and put the money to good use."
Legislators this spring find themselves short of cash, the state a victim of a cooled-down economy and a lackluster housing market. Some state programs could be facing budget cuts.
"This raises a lot of revenue," said Sen. Steve Geller, D-Cooper City, the bill's sponsor. "Everybody wants to keep this bill in play with this budget we have. No one is going to toss away between $1 billion and $2 billion without serious consideration."
Legislative economists have estimated the video lottery terminals would raise a minimum of $900 million yearly, and possibly up to $1.9 billion. Under state law, the money must go to funding public education.
Geller said the funds could be earmarked for boosting teacher salaries. But they could be used to cut the property taxes that homeowners and businesses now pay to fund public schools, possibly putting it in play as an element of the property tax changes legislators are now debating.
The House version of the bill is expected to be heard in committee today or early next week.
Nine other states already allow video lottery gaming. A video lottery game would be defined as an "electronic game of chance" that includes traditional card games, poker and progressive games where the jackpot grows and accumulates.
Linda Kleindienst can be reached at lkleindienst@sun-sentinel.com or 850-224-6124.