STATEHOUSE — State Representative Suzanne Crouch (R-Evansville) provided testimony before the Public Policy Committee today in support of an amendment to Senate Bill (SB) 528. In its original form, SB 528 tried to remove a requirement that Indiana must make up the difference if local communities ever fell below their 2002-level casino admissions tax collections.
Rep. Crouch supported amending SB 528 because riverboat gaming revenue provides tremendous benefits for local communities, including the Evansville area.
“Losing gaming revenue from the state would negatively impact the Evansville area to the tune of $1 million each of the next two years,” said Rep. Crouch.
“Because Evansville/Vanderburgh County have dedicated their riverboat revenues to capital improvements, the potential loss of gaming revenues would not lead to a reduction of any services,” said Rep. Crouch. “It would, however, result in the loss of infrastructure projects that improve the quality of life for people in Southwest Indiana. And quality of life is a critical component of economic development.”
On a 13-0 vote, SB 528 was successfully amended to restore Indiana’s funding to local communities, including the Evansville area.
-30-
Rep. Crouch (R-Evansville) represents portions of Vanderburgh and Warrick counties
|
