from: [u]http://www.courier-journal.com
Expanded-gambling backers close to compromise on sites: Three casinos would be off-track
By Gregory A. Hall
The Courier-Journal
ghall@courier-journal.com
FRANKFORT, Ky. ?€” Proponents of expanded gambling in the state appear close to a compromise that could allow a set number of casinos at racetracks and other sites.
State Sen. David Boswell, D-Owensboro, said yesterday the negotiations involve a referendum on a constitutional amendment to allow casinos at eight tracks and three other locations.
"We're very, very close," he said after a meeting of the House Licensing and Occupations Committee.
Boswell said talks are ongoing and he is still pushing for a fourth off-track casino, which was part of his original proposal for five track casinos and four off-site locations.
A horse-industry plan, sponsored by Rep. Joe Barrows, D-Versailles, calls for casinos only at the eight tracks.
During a meeting of the committee last week, Speaker Pro Tem Larry Clark, D-Okolona, urged the two sides to compromise on one plan.
A bill with the horse-industry proposal was pulled from the committee agenda because of the negotiations.
Asked if the lack of a fourth off-track casino would cause him to oppose a bill, Boswell said, "I won't say it's a deal breaker."
The horse industry's Jim Navolio, executive director of the Kentucky Equine Education Project, said there has been progress on the issue but no decisions have been made.
Committee Chairman Denver Butler, D-Louisville, said the proposed amendment might die if it doesn't clear the committee by its meeting on Wednesday of next week.
"It'll be tight," he said.
Boswell echoed the timing concerns. "If next week is not the time, then I think it's probably a moot issue for the session," he said.
The General Assembly is in the final third of its 60-day session.
Casino opponent John-Mark Hack, campaign director for the Say No To Casinos group, said that he believes, based on what he has heard from legislators, that expanded gambling is dead for this year.
A compromise bill, however, would give proponents a starting point in future sessions, he said.
"What that signals to us is that we have to be vigilant in our opposition," Hack said.
Reporter Gregory A. Hall can be reached at (502) 582-4087 |
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