quote:
Originally posted by tigrtrek:
From my admittedly one reading of the bill it looks like it will favor the big operators in other Milton Mcgregor and his ilk. If we are to have gambling it should be open to businesses of all sizes.
RESPONSE:
Coming straight from the well on the House
floor during the January 20th public hearing on Marcel's "HB 154" -- Michael Mason of the Alabama Dept. of Revenue (ADOR) spoke against the bill and warned that it may be unconstitutional! He stated that the bill 154 has "unusual exemptions" and is "an odd, odd, piece of legislation."
More than 500 people were there to listen to this public hearing so you would think the TimesDaily would've been more diligent in reporting these assessments of the bill.
ADOR commissioner Tim Russell also believes the bill may be unconstitutional and stated "Any amusement opportunity has to pay 4% of their gross proceeds. Adding, "If they (gambling operations) truly meet the constitutional of charity bingo, they are NOT taxed.
So, my forum friends, does this bit of information help clear up a few opinions?
Gov. Riley, in a news release that we didn't get in the TimesDaily, also informed the public that .... "The bill (HB 145) provides casinos with amnesty from all taxes, criminal prosecution and civil lawsuits and allows casinos to be operated anywhere in Alabama."
Now folks, this is FACT. Those who have studied this bill can tell it like it really is but those who just listen MUST listen more carefully if they're going to be really informed.
Another speaker at the public hearing in the House Chamber said, "This act permits gambling outside the bingo amendments to the Constitution. If they are not operating under the charity bingo amendment, then they don't have to pay the charities anymore."
"It allows the Indians to have class three gambling without a state-tribal compact as required by Federal law.
And that is - the Indians are permitted to only have the level of gambling now present in the state. Marcel's bill will expand and raise gambling to include electronic games of all sorts which would make it class three gambling - this, allowing the Indians to have unlimited games."
The majority of those attending the session as "hearers" -- of the 500 mentioned above, came by chartered buses from Greene and Houston counties.
Keep this in mind, along with the fact that Marcel has sponsored gambling pro-(for) gambling bills for years.
This time around, under the guise along with Marrow, of attracting more tourist support business. Like, hey mom and dad, leave your kids at our hotel and we'll have a nanny keep an eye on them while in our luxury facilities and pool side.
Are you kidding me?
I believe Black is Baptist and Morrow is Church of Christ. They're really role models to those folks who came by busloads - huh?
Might be interesting if more voters from Colbert and Lauderdale showed up at some of these hearings???
Actions speak much louder than words and deception can be evident when looking into the eyes of the deceivers.