Letter: Let voters decide if casino taxes should be hiked

Wednesday, May 31, 2000 | 9:07 a.m.

When the gaming companies went into that area, they not only bought their way in, they also did not complain about the taxes. They are still doing business there and must be making a profit, because they are still expanding.

Why can't we raise our gaming tax from 6.5 percent to 8 percent or even 10 percent? This added income to the state and cities could help pay for the infrastructure that is caused by the enlargement of new casinos being built today.

After all, anybody who drives an automobile knows how bad our streets are and how misaligned they are. Our schools can't get teachers because they can't compete with the salary ranges in other states.

They can't retain the teachers and staff in our schools because they can't even keep up with the cost of living. That's why people are leaving our schools and going into private industry (such as casinos and hotels).

A hotel maid makes a better wage and benefits than a classroom aide at a school.

I feel this raise should be brought up to the voters and not the state legislators. They have certain people to answer to as far as campaign monies.

LARY E. MARKS

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