Nixon backs casino fees to benefit veterans

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Gov. Jay Nixon has embraced a plan to raise casino fees to generate more money for nursing homes for military veterans.

Nixon's budget director, Linda Luebbering (LOO'-ber-ing), said Wednesday that a $1 increase in the per-patron fee charged to casinos could generate about $50 million annually.

The money would provide a dedicated funding stream to operate Missouri's state-run veterans' homes. Luebbering says the governor also proposes using part of the money to build a new veterans' home.

The fee increase is one of several proposals put forth by lawmakers this year to dedicate more money to veterans' homes.

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rodinman 1 year, 5 months ago

Another tax by a different name. Control spending and sometimes some things have to wait. That said and to avoid being attacked, I'm a partially disabled veteran and have not set foot in a casino (because one in not convenient).

Gabrielle 1 year, 5 months ago

Seems this is an obligation for the greater community. It doesn't make sense for only those that go to casino's to be the only citizens to pay for the veteran needs as described in the article. Rather odd. There is some logic - for example - to have tobacco users pay for smoking cessation.

Gabrielle 1 year, 5 months ago

lol

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