Lawmakers near nitty-gritty of slots amendment

Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2005 | 9:12 a.m.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Lawmakers got closer Tuesday to the nitty-gritty of regulating and taxing slot machines at South Florida tracks and jai-alai frontons.

One bill discussed in a key House committee would set the tax rate at 30 percent. A bill presented by an opponent would give the state ownership of the slots and a guaranteed take of 39 percent, completely cutting out any profit for the pari-mutuel industry.

And state Rep. Frank Attkisson, who chairs the Business Regulation Committee, raised the possibility of dedicating the money the state may collect from taxing slot machines to teacher performance pay, reading programs, mentoring grants for parents and Bright Futures scholarships.

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