Casino Bill To Help Out Kentucky Schools

As the debate over Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear's controversial gaming program rages on, supporters presented a proposal which they hope would sway public opinion to their favor.

Democrats came out of the a close door meeting on Tuesday and presented a new proposal to the public. The new scheme calls for the allocation of more than $700 million worth of casino income to help replace and restore schools in bad condition in the state.

In a list being presented to lawmakers, several Norther Kentucky schools are considered as candidates for the project. The schools proposed include those in communities like Fort Mitchell, Covington and Erlanger.

According to House Speaker Greg Stumbo, while the bill is still on the lines of expanded casino gaming, this one is of a different thrust. “It is about stabilizing and recapturing some of the income Kentucky is losing,” he said in an interview ofter the meeting. “It is about a plan that would perhaps improve our economy, stimulate the economy,” he further adds.

For his part, Representative Dennis Keene said, “There are some opportunities for us to help schools in this bill, fixing buildings.”

Under the list, schools that are in need of help the most are filed under Category 4 or 5. Beechwood Independent is listed as the most in need, being the only Category 5 school in Northern Kentucky. Around 160 schools were included in the list that was circulated to lawmakers.

The expenses that repairs would required will be paid off by the money generated from new casinos if Beshear's proposal pushes through. Projects on higher education and other proposals are also expected to be presented by next week.

Critics however, said that the move was made to present the bill in a more positive light. Beshear's plan was originally intended to assist the state's ailing horse industry.

They also fear that the funds for projects in the various districts would be caught off if their representatives refused to support the bill.