STATEHOUSE (Feb. 22, 2017) – The Indiana House of Representatives this week approved an amendment authored by State Rep. Randy Frye (R-Greensburg) that would help protect the revenue local communities receive from riverboat earnings.
House Bill 1350 would have reduced the amount of supplemental distribution funds, commonly referred to as hold harmless funds, that are distributed to local units within counties where riverboats are located. Frye said the bill, as originally written, would have lowered the hold harmless fund from $48 million to $40 million.
“This bill would have resulted in millions of dollars being taken away from our communities,” Frye said. “We have three casinos in our area. This would greatly impact us as these casinos fund projects and programs that continue to allow our communities to thrive and grow. I will continue to watch this issue as it moves through the legislative process.”
Frye’s amendment keeps the $48 million in the hold harmless fund instead of decreasing it as the bill originally had been written.
The hold harmless fund was established when casinos were constructed in Indiana as a benefit to communities where riverboats are established.
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State Rep. Frye (R-Greensburg) represents House District 67, which includes Ohio, Ripley and Switzerland counties, as well as portions of Decatur, Jennings, Jefferson and Dearborn counties.
A high-resolution photo of Frye can be downloaded by clicking here.
