The Herald Bulletin - 6:19 p.m.: Steep wager: New set of numbers in slots bill

Tue, Nov 24 2009

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Sen. Tim Lanane, D-Anderson, left, testifies before the Senate's Tax and Fiscal Policy Committee Tuesday morning as Rep. Trent Van Haaften, D-Mount Vernon, House Bill 1835 co-author, looks on. After changes in the bill the committee endorsed the bill on a 9-3 vote.
John P. Cleary / The Herald Bulletin

In a packed hearing room the Senate Tax and Fiscal Policy Committee held a hearing on House Bill 1835 that would allow slot machines at the state's two horse tracks. After changes in the bill the committee endorsed the bill on a 9-3 vote.
John P. Cleary / The Herald Bulletin

Rick Moore, president and general manager at Hoosier Park in Anderson, speaks in front of the Senate's Tax and Fiscal Policy Committee during hearings on House Bill 1835.
John P. Cleary / The Herald Bulletin

Senate Tax and Fiscal Policy Committee chairman Sen. Luke Kenley, R-Noblesville, proposed an amendment to House Bill 1835 that lowered the number of allowable slot machines from 2,500 to 1,500 at each track. The amended bill passed the committee by a vote of 9-3.
John P. Cleary / The Herald Bulletin

Tax and Fiscal Policy Committee member Sen. Robert Meeks, R-LaGrange, proposed an amendment to House Bill 1835 that would raise the license fee for each track from $100 million to $400 million. The amended bill passed the committee by a vote of 9-3.
John P. Cleary / The Herald Bulletin

6:19 p.m.: Steep wager: New set of numbers in slots bill

Slot bill passes committee, but numbers change

Justin Schneider

The amended bill also taxes slot machine revenue at 25 percent for the first $100 million, 30 percent for the second $100 million and 35 percent thereafter. The committee also approved a provision that would no longer require riverboat casinos to have motors.

Shelbyville Mayor Scott Ferguson spoke on behalf of Indiana Downs, calling it a good corporate citizen.

“I’m here to tell you what a great partner Indiana Downs has been for our community,” he said. “Frankly, we’re afraid of losing this in our community. We appreciate any assistance and anything you can do to help.”

Anderson Controller Morris Long spoke to the benefits that Hoosier Park has brought to Anderson and to the fruitful future the bill could create for both entities. He said communities such as Anderson face a perfect storm of job loss, loss of tax base and loss of services.

“This is a source of revenue that will help stave off dire straits,” Long said. “It would make Hoosier Park one of the largest employers in the city.”

State Sen. Tim Lanane, D-District 25, said he was unsure when the bill might come for a vote before the Senate. In its amended form, it must pass the House again. If passed, could face a veto by Gov. Mitch Daniels.

“This is an important bill for the whole state, and it’s an important bill for Madison County,” Lanane said. “I think it has a better chance than before of passing. We just need to hammer out the details.”

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