Guest AuthorGaming is a well-established business sector in Florida with roots stretching back to the 1890s. In the past 25 years, gaming industries have been transformed, not just in Florida but all around the country. Pari-mutuel wagering has declined. The state lottery, as well as cruises, card rooms, casinos, and “Internet cafes” have emerged. But, our state laws and tax policies have not kept pace, and layers of exceptions and patches are not working well to promote Florida’s overall economic and social welfare.
Senate President Don Gaetz has asked the Gaming Committee to review gambling statutes, to address the ambiguities, inconsistencies, and exceptions in current law, and to craft an action plan during the 2014 Legislative Session. Our task is to replace the current makeshift structure with a comprehensive statewide approach to gaming policy, and we need your help.
Over the next month, the Senate Gaming Committee is conducting public workshops across the state to listen to the views of as many citizens as possible. In particular, we are interested in public reactions to the two-part “Florida Gambling Impact Study,” commissioned by the Florida Legislature earlier this year. The study provides an independent and unbiased factual assessment of the social and economic impacts of gaming.
You can add your testimony to the committee record. From the Senate’s “Gaming” webpage, you can:
Download a copy of the “Florida Gambling Impact Study.”
Submit comments in writing.
Access maps and directions for attending a public workshop.
Register to speak at a public workshop (deadline for online requests is three days prior to the workshop; those who miss the deadline and wish to speak may attend the workshop and fill out appearance cards onsite.)
Understanding local perspectives and personal impacts is an instrumental component of public policy decisions that could impact the future of gaming in our state for generations.
I hope you’ll chose to take part in this important discussion.
