Louisiana governor says 'no' to expanded gambling

From news reports

Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco has refused to include a plan to expand gambling in the call for a special legislative session in her state. The mayor of New Orleans had proposed an increase in gambling to help rebuild the hurricane-ravaged city.

Blanco is proposing tax credits for individuals and businesses and a stronger educational system as the best way to stimulate economic growth.

Because the gambling industry has provided thousands of jobs, some people argue it has been a success. But the truth is: Gamblers' losses fill bank accounts outside the state while the poorest people in Louisiana keep getting poorer.

Jeff Crouere, a political analyst in New Orleans, said the history of gambling in Lousiana has not been a very good one.

"The voters were sold a bill of goods when they approved the lottery back in the early 90s," he said. "It was supposed to fix education and the money never materialized."

In spite of that track record, Mayor Ray Nagin proposed expanded gambling as a way to alleviate the financial hardships brought on by Hurricane Katrina. But Blanco countered that she has "never believed that gambling should be the base" on which to build - or rebuild - the state's economy.

"I just think Governor Blanco is right on target," Crouere told Family News in Focus. "If we should be doing anything it should be cutting back, not adding more gambling."

Chad Hills, gambling analyst for Focus on the Family Action, said the governor's decision will have far-reaching and very beneficial effects.

"If she holds to this decision and follows these principles, New Orleans is going to be stronger in the future for that," he said.

For more information or to learn more about the true impact of gambling, visit the Focus on Social Issues Web site: www.family.org/socialissues/Gambling/.

Last updated on 25 Apr 2008

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