Here are a couple choice excerpts from an article by The Sun Herald's Geoff Pender:
"Honestly, I don't believe we can gamble our way toward prosperity anywhere in Mississippi," Eaves said. "Our first priority on the Coast should be helping people get back into homes rather than helping the casinos send their money back to Las Vegas."
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The conference, which continues through the weekend, is being held at Beau Rivage Resort and Casino. Eaves said this made him feel like "Daniel going into the lions' den," because he has vowed not to accept casino campaign contributions.
Barbour has received hundreds of thousands of casino industry contributions which have been hidden by funneling those monies thought the Republican Governors' Association. They are rewarding him for successfully pushing to allow the Coast's casinos to come on land.
The Sun Herald Article
Let me see, the casinos provide jobs. the job-holders pay taxes, rent, mortgages, buy goods, which incur further taxes, the economy in the area improves, etc.
ReplyDeleteMuch better spillover effect than just giving everyone a check.
Of course, I've noticed Eaves is not too swuft on economics. What are you going to do if you have a bunch of people on the coast with no jobs? that is one of the most important things down there right now.
furthermore, how does Eaves think people will be able to afford those homes if they can't meet a monthly mortgage or rent payment? I guess we pay for that too instead of creating a job for them to use to earn an INCOME!!!
ReplyDeleteyeesh. He's smarter than this. there are plenty of issues to hit Barbour on, this is stupid.
Many reasonable people oppose casino gambling. Many studies have shown that they put a greater drain on communities than what they provide. Yes they've brought jobs and development, but many of those jobs were filled by thousands of people moving in from other states to work in them. They've also brought crime, a huge impact on infrastructure and an industry that incourages all kinds of undesirable behavior.
ReplyDeleteBut, as you can see Eaves isn't calling for abruptly shutting down the casinos which would be a horrible shock to our local economy, but only pointing out the unfavorability of an industry that Barbour has had no trouble shaking down for contributions.