As various groups attempt to bribe public entities into supporting ill-conceived plans for slot parlors in Kentucky, it is clear that some local and state government officials are attracted by the false promise of additional revenue. But casinos represent the worse of alternatives for generating governmental revenue because of the huge direct costs of casinos that will be borne by public agencies. Simply improving the state’s debt collection efforts could raise half the money that Big Casino’s lackeys are proposing. Improvements to governmental spending habits can yield even more.

Say No To Casinos believes now is the time for concerned leaders from all business and social sectors to develop the long-term economic reform our state needs, reform of government spending habits, reform of government taxation policies and reform of governmental economic development policies. Working with the best and brightest from large and small business, agriculture, health care, education, the faith community, government and other sectors, we can chart the comprehensive economic plan our state needs to ensure its long-term prosperity.

Such prosperity only comes from the hard work and strong commitment such a plan would require. It sure doesn’t come from casinos. We shouldn’t gamble away our children’s future; we should work hard to protect it.