Today, Gov. Beshear and a bipartisan group of legislators, released the details of a bill that would put a constitutional amendment to allow casinos in Kentucky on November’s ballot. SB 151, filed by Sen. Damon Thayer, would authorize up to seven casinos – five at race tracks throughout the state and two other locations.
At today’s press conference Gov. Beshear said, “We’ve been debating this issue in Frankfort for more than 15 years. The citizens of our state are clamoring to have their voices heard. Two recent polls show more than 80 percent of Kentuckians want to cast a ballot on gaming. Are we going to listen to them or not?”
Gov. Beshear and Sen. Thayer worked together for weeks to develop the bill and to build consensus.
“The time has come to let the people decide on the issue of expanded gambling,” said Sen. Thayer. “This issue has been lingering in Kentucky for nearly two decades, a majority of Kentuckians wish to vote on it, and the time has come to give them that opportunity.”
The Kentucky Chamber has been a long-time advocate of expanded gaming, and recently joined the Kentucky Alliance for Jobs, a coalition of business, labor unions, teachers, local governments, horsemen and other Kentuckians that support a constitutional amendment on gaming.
“We’re encouraged that legislators have come together in a bi-partisan effort to support this bill,” said Chamber President & CEO Dave Adkisson. “Expanded gaming has the potential to spur substantial job growth and economic development in the Commonwealth. The Chamber supports this effort because we can no longer sit and watch Kentucky money and Kentucky jobs leave our state.”
The bill is expected to be heard in the Senate State and Local Government Committee on Feb. 22.
To read the full press release on the bill click here.
Click here for a copy of the proposed legislation.
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