Carly Fiorina talks about the Expansion of Off-Reservation Gambling

CAGE's Connie Schmett, community activist and grassroots organizer in Iowa was at the Dallas County GOP Spring Speaker Series in May. 

She took some video of the meeting and had this to say:

"With the opportunity to see and hear Carly Fiorina speak, I clearly realize we need to elect a presidential candidate who will look at the larger picture when it comes to the gambling industry.  Casino market over-saturation is not good for economic growth of our communities nor sustainable job creation.
"We need a president who will roll back the Obama administration regulations that allow Indian tribes to apply for licenses for casinos any where in the United States.  Previous administrations have limited expansion of tribal casinos within no more than 50 miles of their reservations.  We need to use some common sense in dealing with this issue."


Click the video below to see Fiorina's response when asked about the expansion of off-reservation gambling.

CAGE Garners More Signatures - Sent to Presidential Hopefuls

Robert Cramer is CAO of Cramer and Associates and the most recent author of a letter sent with 250 signatures to presidential hopefuls from Iowans concerned about the impact of gaming on our nation. 

Cramer considers himself a small-businessman, engineer, problem solver, numbers guy, conservative, and a man of faith. Cramer has served on several boards and panels including the Johnston School Board, Industry Advisory Council for the Construction Engineering Department at ISU, Associated General Contractors of Iowa Board of Directors, AGC liaison with Iowa DOT, AGC of IA Executive Committee, Blessman Ministries, Inc. Board of Directors.

Click here to see the actual letter sent to Governor Walker.

Dear Governor Walker,

I am a bridge contractor and politically active citizen of Iowa.  My letter to you is accompanied by 250 signatures who oppose any expansion of gambling. These signatures represent Iowans across our state who are concerned about all aspects of the gambling industry and the impact it has on our communities as well as the communities that neighbor our state. 

It simply is not logical to think that an economic base can be created by increasing any additional licenses to potential casinos in the hope of generating revenue to support programs within an individual state. We’ve seen this happen in Atlantic City where casinos have closed their doors, jobs are lost and businesses are closed leaving that City almost bankrupt.

As you know, the strength of any state and that of our nation lies in the hands of the people.  We need industries and opportunities allowing them to have pride and satisfaction in earning a paycheck and see the results of their devoted hard work.  For the state to entice people (especially the poor) to spend their hard earned money in hopes of a “free lunch” from gambling sends the exact opposite message.

I thank you and the citizens of Iowa thank you for taking a stand in not supporting the proposed Kenosha casino in Wisconsin.  Thank you for your service and leadership as well as taking the time to read my letter and look at yet another group of Iowans who have signed the attached petitions.

Sincerely,

Robert Cramer

President/CAO

More Signatures from CAGE for presidential hopefuls - urging AGAINST gambling expansion.

RNC National Chairwoman for the state of Iowa, Tamara Scott, wrote a letter to Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker urging against gambling expansion.
Her letter was accompanied by 200 signatures from Iowans who are active in their communities and likely to participate in the upcoming Iowa Caucuses.
Click here to see what she has to say about gambling expansion.
Click here to read her letter.

Our last letter to the governor is still being talked about by Wisconsin bloggers and news sources. 
Check out these links:
"Iowa conservatives warn Walker about casino expansion"
"Walker's Presidential Ambitions Could Complicate Casino Decision"

According to The Family Leader, Tamara Scott has served in the public arena for decades. She currently serves as the Republican National Committeewoman for Iowa. She lobbies in D.C. and in the Iowa State House as the state director of the nation’s largest public policy women’s organization Concerned Women for America and as a family policy advocate for The FAMILY LEADER.on American Family Radio networks across the nation under the banner of “Restoring Hope.” She continues to fill in as a guest host on WHO 1040AM radio and is frequently interviewed by media outlets around the globe.

A Letter to Governor Walker from Iowans Against Kenosha Casino

Some Iowans sent a message to Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker - telling him the proposed casino in Kenosha is not wanted or needed. 

Citizens Against Gambling Expansion supporter and Consumer Credit of Des Moines President, Tom Coates, signed a letter which accompanied a petition with 600 signatures signed by Iowans that are opposed to gambling expansion. 

Similar letters were also sent to Governor Chris Christie, Governor Bobby Jindal, Governor Jeb Bush, Governor Rick Perry and Congressman Paul Ryan - leaders across the country who - along with Walker - are considering a presidential run in 2016.

In his letter, Coates states his concerns about expanded gambling in Iowa:
“With the arrival of casinos in Iowa, the percentage of addicted or pathological gamblers rose from 1.7% of the population to 5.4%.  Recent legislation allows a pathological gambler to unban themselves from gambling after five years. The effects of creating pathological gamblers in our midst show a wide range of social pathologies playing out. Among these pathologies are: 22% divorce due to gambling, 49% steal to feed the habit, 40% lose their jobs, 63% contemplate suicide and 18% attempt suicide. Highest suicide rate for any addiction as heroin is next closest with 9%.” Coats go on to say “As you are contemplating a presidential bid, I sincerely hope you will consider a “No Expanded Gaming” policy.” 

Please support our efforts and join us in telling these potential presidential candidates that you are opposed to expanding gambling.

Click here to read the complete copy of the letter from Coates to Walker.

Proposed Kenosha Casino is a Problem for Right to Work Supporters in Wisconsin

An artist's rendering of the proposed Kenosha casino.

When considering all angles of a new casino in Wisconsin, a new bone of contention has poked out of the pile of problems: a push for "right to work" in the state vs. unionization of casino workers. Most problematic for most is a situation called "card check".

Here's a listen to what the Wisconsin Right to Work (WRTR) group ran as a radio ad this month and a look at how local bloggers against the card check are responding:

http://wisconsindailyindependent.com/wisconsin-right-to-work-releases-new-radio-ad/ (You can hear the ad here at the bottom of the page.)
http://www.rightwisconsin.com/dailytakes/Right-to-Work-Meets-the-Kensoha-Casino-Decision-285815751.html

http://www.wispolitics.com/index.iml?Article=338123

http://wisconsinelectionwatch.com/22757/kenosha-casino-card-check-sound-the-alarm/

The argument in brief from the freedomtoworkwi.com website:
http://freedomtoworkwi.com/posts/kenosha-casino-card-check-policy-wrong-wisconsin
http://freedomtoworkwi.com/posts/menomonee-admits-mou-includes-card-check

In his posting, "What's on the Agenda for GOP Governors Running for President", John Fund states the following:
"He (Governor Scott Walker) is also under pressure on the casino from Wisconsin Right to Work, a group which is running ads that highlight the fact that the Kenosha casino would be the first union-operated shop of its kind in the state, and would also operate using card check — the tool unions use to intimidate workers. “Any presidential candidate who expands gambling is going to have a lot of explaining to do,” declares Pat Andrews, a leader in Phyllis Schalfly’s conservative Eagle Forum group.
You can read the complete article here. 

2014 Election Results

Did you wonder what happened on Election Day regarding all of the gambling issues on ballots across the country?

Here's a quick follow up:

California’s Proposition 48, Referendum on Indian Gaming Compacts was defeated. You can learn more about the results here: http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/politics/California-Prop-48-Tribal-Gaming-Measure-Defeated-281604221.html

In Colorado Horse Racetrack Limited Gaming Proceeds for K-12 Education, Amendment 68 also failed. Check out the local reaction here: http://www.9news.com/story/news/politics/elections/2014/11/04/amendment-68-results/18442677/

The vote in Massachusetts to end all legalized gambling in the state was rejected by voters. Anti-gambling activists are looking to become watchdogs for their state. Read more about it here: http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2014/12/01/unbowed-ballot-defeat-anticasino-forces-seek-new-role/66VGX4qqjSbEkSpA43aXKM/story.html

Rhode Islanders had two issues to consider. Gaming at Newport Grand, Question1 was ultimately defeated. Because Question 1 was on the ballot as a statewide measure and also as a local measure in Newport, it required approval from both the state's voters and Newport's voters. While Rhode Island's total voters approved Question 1, a majority of Newport's voters cast "no" votes. As a result, Question 1 was defeated.  The Restriction on Gambling, Question 2 passed which allows expansion to table games and restricts relocation of a current gambling location.

In South Dakota voters said “yes” to  Gambling in Deadwood, Amendment Q. Here is a link to the details: http://www.blackhillsfox.com/home/headlines/South-Dakota-residents-vote-yes-on-Amendment-Q-281705211.html

The Kansas Charitable Gaming Measure - SCR 1618 and the South Carolina Legalization of Charitable Raffles, Amendment 1 were passed (both dealt with legalization of non-profit organizations holding raffles as fundraisers and had little opposition). Tennessee’s Charitable Gaming, Amendment 4 also passed to allow veterans organizations to hold raffles, etc.

Gambling on Election Day

With Election Day less than a week away, we're taking a look at ballots across the country. Gambling related propositions, initiatives, questions and measures are important issues being considered by voters in eight states next Tuesday.

Here's a rundown of the basics and what the opponents to gambling expansion are saying:

On November 4th Californians will consider Proposition 48, a Referendum on Indian Gaming Compacts. Opponents urge a "NO" vote because, they say, "We don't want to see Indian gambling spread to non-tribal lands."

While this issue is on the ballot, a federal judge shut down the Chukchansi Gold Resort and Casino after an armed stand-off that endangered the public inside the casino. Residents are understandably wary.

In Colorado the issue is Horse Racetrack Limited Gaming Proceeds for K-12 Education, Amendment 68. The Vote No on 68 group points to hundreds of millions of dollars in hidden costs and a revenue plan that benefits those outside of the state more than citizens of Colorado.

Massachusetts voters will vote on the Casino Repeal Initiative, Question 3. Proponents want an end to all gambling in the state.

In South Dakota, voters will decide the Gambling in Deadwood, Amendment Q. The Family Heritage Alliance says a "NO" vote is the best way to "slow the almost constant expansion of gambling in the state of South Dakota."

Rhode Islanders have two issues to consider. Gaming at Newport Grand, Question1 and Restriction on Gambling, Question 2 which would allow expansion to table games and restrict relocation of a current gambling location respectively. A group called Citizens Concerned About Casino Gambling says that a casino is a "no win situation for Newport."

The Kansas Charitable Gaming Measure - SCR 1618 and the South Carolina Legalization of Charitable Raffles, Amendment 1 both deal with legalization of non-profit organizations holding raffles as fundraisers. For the most part, opposition of both issues has been slight due to the tight restrictions and definition of what a legal raffle will allow. Those concerned about future expansion of gambling will be watching closely to make sure both measures don't lead to more games.

Finally, in Tennessee the Charitable Gaming Amendment 4, if passed, would include veterans' groups like the American Legion and VFW (which are 501(c)(19) organizations) to hold an annual charitable gaming fundraiser as 501(c)(3) organizations are currently allowed in the state.

It's also important to note that decisions regarding some candidates will affect the future of gambling. After the gubernatorial election in Wisconsin, the next governor will decide if a new casino will be built in Kenosha, so even though gambling isn't officially on the ballot in Wisconsin, it's an important issue in this year's election.

Though some ballot issues are more controversial than others, we hope voters in each state will educate themselves and make good decisions regarding the expansion of gambling and how it will affect us nationwide.