Letter: Casinos not paying their fair share

Friday, May 4, 2007 | 7:04 a.m.

Nevada needs money. The Legislature is considering raising taxes and requiring lower budget increases. No mention of requiring an increase in casino taxes, even though they haven't had an increase in years and they are the main cause of our crowded roadways, which will require an enormous amount of funds to increase their capacity. And they are also the main cause of the population explosion, causing the overburdening of our education system.

In every other city with gaming, the tax is considerably higher. Our casinos pay just 6.75 percent, while in New Orleans they pay 21 percent and in Atlantic City they pay 9.25 percent. There are more examples, all higher than Nevada.

I understand that the political power in this state emanates from the Nevada Resort Association and that casinos help to finance the campaigns for our legislators, making them reticent to introduce the legislation that would fairly raise casino taxes. Do we need a ballot initiative to accomplish this or do we inform our legislators that unless they try to bring this about, they may be voted out of office? The people of Nevada need true representation.

Carolyn Brandom, Las Vegas