Objects in Mirror: February 3, 2009 Archive

Slot machines to boost Minnesota state revenue?

Posted at 11:37 AM on February 3, 2009 by Julia Schrenkler

Would you support slot machines in your state if it meant serious revenue? From MPR News Slot machines, tax exemptions among state revenue suggestions:

DFL Representative Phyllis Kahn has introduced a different gambling related bill. She wants to allow slot machines at the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport.

"I have always said that gambling is a regressive tax on stupidity," Kahn said. "Well, this makes it a progressive tax on stupidity because people who have boarding passes are at a higher income level cut than people without boarding passes."

A 2004 fiscal analysis of Kahn's bill suggests the state would capture about $16 million a year from her proposal.

I wonder how gamblers, visitors, and Minnesota residents feel about that. It wouldn't be the only gambling-based suggestion:

Republican Senator Dick Day said he'll propose a bill that would allow slot machines at the Canterbury Park Race track.

Combined with both parties conducting a seek & find for spending cuts...well, I really want to know what you think. Is a mixture of gambling and cuts the answer? How would that impact Minnesota's future? Share your comments in our online discussion.