LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A Nebraska lawmaker who favors legalized gambling is trying to get the issue before the voters again, offering the enticement of a reduction in property taxes.
Sen. Russ Karpisek of Wilber proposed a constitutional amendment Tuesday that would place the issue on the November ballot. Lawmakers have rejected similar measures in recent years, and voters shot down two proposals that appeared on the same ballot in 2004.
The new proposal would use 50 percent of any gambling-tax revenue to reduce property taxes. Another 25 percent would go to public schools, 12 percent would go to the state Game and Parks Commission, 12 percent would pay for state water projects, and 1 percent would go to a state program that helps problem gamblers.
Supporters argue that Nebraska is losing revenue to Iowa and South Dakota, which allow casino gambling.
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