(2005-04-02)
INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana -- As reported by the Indianapolis Star: "Counties without casinos would get $1 million a year in casino-tax revenue and Harrison County would lose $16.5 million a year under a plan the House Ways and Means Committee narrowly approved yesterday.
"In all, $85 million that casino communities now collect from such wagering taxes would be redistributed to other counties. An additional $42 million that now goes to casino communities would be used to balance the state budget.
"…Rep. Troy Woodruff, R-Vincennes, said the proposal is a matter of fairness and allows all Indiana counties to benefit from the casino licenses that the state has given to communities along the Ohio River and Lake Michigan.
"…Switzerland County Council President Mike Jones said he's hopeful opponents can defeat the bill next week, when it is eligible for amendment and then a vote on the House floor.
"…But the House bill is one of a number of proposals being considered that would strip money from casino communities to either augment the state budget or redistribute funds to non-casino communities…"