witchdoctor
02-26-2004, 06:41 PM
Gaming bill passes House
2004-02-26
By Ryan McNeill
The Oklahoman
Hundreds of people packed inside the House gallery cheered as lawmakers approved a gaming bill this afternoon, sending to Gov. Brad Henry for his signature a key piece of his legislative agenda.
The governor had pushed the bill since taking office. Lawmakers debated for more than two hours, taking it up at about 12:30 p.m.
The vote was 52-47.
"Never before have we had so many groups in agreement on an issue so important to our state," said House Speaker Larry Adair, D-Stilwell, alluding to education supporters, horsemen and tribal leaders lobbying for the bill.
Supporters said the bill will save 50,000 jobs in an industry that contributes $1.8 billion to Oklahoma's economy. Opponents said it will cause gambling-related social problems, including increased bankruptcies and expenses for social services.
"This bill has the potential for more devastating effects to our state, our economy and our family than any bill I've seen in my time," said House Minority Leader Rep. Todd Hiett, R-Kellyville.
The bill is designed to funnel $71 million the first year into common education, which already has a budget of more than $2 billion. Horsemen, who said they would be ruined and forced to other states with more lucrative purses, say it will increase purses by more than $30 million in Oklahoma.
"These are taxpayers, these are citizens of Oklahoma coming up here asking for help," said Rep. Ron Kirby, D-Lawton. "And we act like we're in doubt."
Lawmakers passed the bill after a morning of hard lobbying by supporters, including the governor. Henry spent the morning in the House lounge pushing for support.
The bill was near the top of the agenda in the House, which went into session about 10 a.m. But it was't introduced until after 12:30 p.m.
2004-02-26
By Ryan McNeill
The Oklahoman
Hundreds of people packed inside the House gallery cheered as lawmakers approved a gaming bill this afternoon, sending to Gov. Brad Henry for his signature a key piece of his legislative agenda.
The governor had pushed the bill since taking office. Lawmakers debated for more than two hours, taking it up at about 12:30 p.m.
The vote was 52-47.
"Never before have we had so many groups in agreement on an issue so important to our state," said House Speaker Larry Adair, D-Stilwell, alluding to education supporters, horsemen and tribal leaders lobbying for the bill.
Supporters said the bill will save 50,000 jobs in an industry that contributes $1.8 billion to Oklahoma's economy. Opponents said it will cause gambling-related social problems, including increased bankruptcies and expenses for social services.
"This bill has the potential for more devastating effects to our state, our economy and our family than any bill I've seen in my time," said House Minority Leader Rep. Todd Hiett, R-Kellyville.
The bill is designed to funnel $71 million the first year into common education, which already has a budget of more than $2 billion. Horsemen, who said they would be ruined and forced to other states with more lucrative purses, say it will increase purses by more than $30 million in Oklahoma.
"These are taxpayers, these are citizens of Oklahoma coming up here asking for help," said Rep. Ron Kirby, D-Lawton. "And we act like we're in doubt."
Lawmakers passed the bill after a morning of hard lobbying by supporters, including the governor. Henry spent the morning in the House lounge pushing for support.
The bill was near the top of the agenda in the House, which went into session about 10 a.m. But it was't introduced until after 12:30 p.m.