http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2011/05/horse_racing_wagering_bill_cle.htmlHorse racing wagering bill clears House; Gov. Bobby Jindal not opposedPublished: Friday, May 20, 2011, 11:30 AMUpdated: Friday, May 20, 2011, 5:00 PMBy Bill Barrow, The Times-Picayune The Times-Picayune
Gov. Bobby Jindal has said since he was a candidate that he opposes any policy that expands gambling. Jindal spokesman Kyle Plotkin said last week that the governor's philosophy does not require him "at this time" to oppose a Louisiana House bill that would add to gamblers' options at Louisiana horse tracks outside New Orleans.Current law restricts "account wagering" -- allowing bettors to wager on races at other tracks around the country -- to the city of New Orleans, home to the Fair Grounds Race Course and Slots. House Bill 420 by Rep. Ledricka Thierry, D-Opelousas, would delete the restriction, extending account-wagering eligibility to any live horse racing facility licensed by the Louisiana State Racing Commission.The House approved the bill 61-30 this week. The measure awaits action in the Senate Judiciary B Committee. Lawmakers said during floor debate that the Family Forum, which often includes gambling measures on its annual published assessments of legislators, is officially neutral on the measure.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Monday, November 29, 2010
Gambling Is Not Economic Development-2
Southern casinos struggle back from recession 11/28/2010 8:28 AM By Alan Sayre, AP Business WriterNEW ORLEANS — As a new reality — casinos are not recession-proof — sets in, gambling in Louisiana and Mississippi is staging a slow comeback from the economic meltdown of 2008, aggravated for a time by the Gulf of Mexico oil spill that chased away some tourists.But at least for the rest of 2010 and into 2011, industry analysts expect many players to keep a tight grip on their wallets because of uncertain economic times — and those who watch casinos are largely unwilling to predict when full recovery might come."Gamblers, like other people, have to feel comfortable about their financial situation," said Joseph Weinert, senior vice president of Linwood, N.J.-based Spectrum Gaming Group. "There had been the perception that the industry was largely recession-proof, but we saw what happened a couple of years ago. When the economy got tanked, the industry got whacked."For the first three quarters of 2010, revenue at Mississippi's state-licensed casinos totaled $1.83 billion, down 12.9% from the first nine months of 2008 — the period leading into the U.S. economic freefall. Still, the decline has slowed.
According to the Mississippi Department of Revenue, casino takes dropped only 3.3% from the first three quarters of 2009.In the latest count, the 11 casinos across the Mississippi Gulf Coast were down 12.7% from the first nine months of 2008, but recorded only a 1.3% drop from 2009, indicating that the oil spill had only a small effect on gambling. The 19 casinos on the Mississippi River, including Tunica in the Arkansas-Tennessee corner, were down 12.8% from 2008 and 5% from last year.
In Louisiana, the 13 riverboat casinos, Harrah's downtown New Orleans casino and the four race track casinos, for the first three quarters of 2010, recorded a 7.7% drop in gambling revenue from the first nine months of 2008. The 2010 tally was down 5.3% from 2009."I'm reserved, but optimistically reserved. The numbers appear to be stabilizing," said Dane Morgan, chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board.But sustained growth is a question mark, regionally and nationally.
Recently, at the Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas, American Gaming Association head Frank Fahrenkopf said gambling revenue in state-licensed casinos rose 1.3% — to just over $8 billion — from the second quarter to the third quarter of 2010. But that's still about $100 million less than casinos took in during the same period last year. Fahrenkopf blamed that on reduced discretionary spending by consumers.Earlier this month, Jefferies & Co. analyst David Katz said he expected Louisiana and Mississippi casinos owned by Penn National Gaming Inc., Pinnacle Entertainment, Boyd Gaming and MGM Resorts International to report mixed results during fourth-quarter revenue reports, saying the region's recovery still lags behind other markets."Right now, the gaming industry is largely a function of the regional and national economies," Weinert said. "It depends upon whether you see those economies flatten out or start showing some life. The casinos will follow that."
A large chunk of Louisiana's casino business is pointed at Texans. Shreveport-Bossier City gambling revenue, for the first three quarters of 2010, fell 10.5% from the first nine months of 2008. The recent tally is down 4.4% from 2009. The five riverboats and the track casino in that market have been facing increased competition from Indian nation casinos in Oklahoma.In Lake Charles, where direct competition is more isolated for three riverboats and a track casino, the tally is just about the same in comparing 2008 and 2010, although down 5.8% from 2009. The 2008 figures were skewed by September when two major hurricanes chopped at as much as $20 million from the historic monthly count.I
n the New Orleans area, which has two riverboats and a track casino along with the land casino, gambling revenue is down 9.4% in the three-quarter comparison of 2008 to 2010 and down 2.9% from 2009. The boats and the track casino generally appeal to a local market, while Harrah's — more aimed toward tourists and the convention business — typically posts big months during such events as Mardi Gras, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, the Essence Festival and big-ticket sporting events.But more outlets want to get into the competitive fray, despite the slower times.
Pinnacle hopes to open its $357 million riverboat casino-hotel project in Baton Rouge in December 2011. That market, which currently has two gambling boats, has seen a 13.3% drop in revenue from the first three quarters of 2008 to the first three of 2010."I think a new casino will grow that market, but it will be at the expense of the other operators," said industry analyst Cory Morowitz of Galloway, N.J.-based Morowitz Gaming Advisors. "There's not enough room otherwise."Three groups have filed for the 15th and final riverboat license allowed by Louisiana law. Two want another Lake Charles casino, while the other wants another suburban New Orleans boat.Louisiana regulator Morgan said he hopes a decision on the winner will be made by March.
In Mississippi, Gaming Commission executive director Larry Gregory said no new projects are near fruition, but investors continue to express interest in the state, especially along the coast."We have had a lot of interest over the past year. People coming down here and looking and wanting to move forward with something. But in today's economy, it's difficult to fund these projects," Gregory said. "The coast is prime for development. But it's not just us. You look at mature jurisdictions all over, not new ones, there are just not many projects."Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.
According to the Mississippi Department of Revenue, casino takes dropped only 3.3% from the first three quarters of 2009.In the latest count, the 11 casinos across the Mississippi Gulf Coast were down 12.7% from the first nine months of 2008, but recorded only a 1.3% drop from 2009, indicating that the oil spill had only a small effect on gambling. The 19 casinos on the Mississippi River, including Tunica in the Arkansas-Tennessee corner, were down 12.8% from 2008 and 5% from last year.
In Louisiana, the 13 riverboat casinos, Harrah's downtown New Orleans casino and the four race track casinos, for the first three quarters of 2010, recorded a 7.7% drop in gambling revenue from the first nine months of 2008. The 2010 tally was down 5.3% from 2009."I'm reserved, but optimistically reserved. The numbers appear to be stabilizing," said Dane Morgan, chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board.But sustained growth is a question mark, regionally and nationally.
Recently, at the Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas, American Gaming Association head Frank Fahrenkopf said gambling revenue in state-licensed casinos rose 1.3% — to just over $8 billion — from the second quarter to the third quarter of 2010. But that's still about $100 million less than casinos took in during the same period last year. Fahrenkopf blamed that on reduced discretionary spending by consumers.Earlier this month, Jefferies & Co. analyst David Katz said he expected Louisiana and Mississippi casinos owned by Penn National Gaming Inc., Pinnacle Entertainment, Boyd Gaming and MGM Resorts International to report mixed results during fourth-quarter revenue reports, saying the region's recovery still lags behind other markets."Right now, the gaming industry is largely a function of the regional and national economies," Weinert said. "It depends upon whether you see those economies flatten out or start showing some life. The casinos will follow that."
A large chunk of Louisiana's casino business is pointed at Texans. Shreveport-Bossier City gambling revenue, for the first three quarters of 2010, fell 10.5% from the first nine months of 2008. The recent tally is down 4.4% from 2009. The five riverboats and the track casino in that market have been facing increased competition from Indian nation casinos in Oklahoma.In Lake Charles, where direct competition is more isolated for three riverboats and a track casino, the tally is just about the same in comparing 2008 and 2010, although down 5.8% from 2009. The 2008 figures were skewed by September when two major hurricanes chopped at as much as $20 million from the historic monthly count.I
n the New Orleans area, which has two riverboats and a track casino along with the land casino, gambling revenue is down 9.4% in the three-quarter comparison of 2008 to 2010 and down 2.9% from 2009. The boats and the track casino generally appeal to a local market, while Harrah's — more aimed toward tourists and the convention business — typically posts big months during such events as Mardi Gras, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, the Essence Festival and big-ticket sporting events.But more outlets want to get into the competitive fray, despite the slower times.
Pinnacle hopes to open its $357 million riverboat casino-hotel project in Baton Rouge in December 2011. That market, which currently has two gambling boats, has seen a 13.3% drop in revenue from the first three quarters of 2008 to the first three of 2010."I think a new casino will grow that market, but it will be at the expense of the other operators," said industry analyst Cory Morowitz of Galloway, N.J.-based Morowitz Gaming Advisors. "There's not enough room otherwise."Three groups have filed for the 15th and final riverboat license allowed by Louisiana law. Two want another Lake Charles casino, while the other wants another suburban New Orleans boat.Louisiana regulator Morgan said he hopes a decision on the winner will be made by March.
In Mississippi, Gaming Commission executive director Larry Gregory said no new projects are near fruition, but investors continue to express interest in the state, especially along the coast."We have had a lot of interest over the past year. People coming down here and looking and wanting to move forward with something. But in today's economy, it's difficult to fund these projects," Gregory said. "The coast is prime for development. But it's not just us. You look at mature jurisdictions all over, not new ones, there are just not many projects."Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Speaker Tucker Announces New Wind Turbine Plant In Michew
Speaker Jim Tucker spoke to the Monroe Chamber of Commerce Wednesday. He reviewed the Tucker Commission on Higher Education, the LaGrad Act of 2010, the Louisiana state budget, and redistricting at the federal and state level. Tucker took credit for killing the BP contingency fee legislation proposed by Senate President Joel T.Chaisson and other trial lawyers.
Absent from the meeting were Senator Francis Thompson and Senator Bob Kostelka; house members Rick Gallot. Noble Ellington and "Rozz" Jones.
There was no mention of the v-vehicle.
The loudest applause line was when Tucker announced that he would try to keep two congressional districts in the north part of the state.
Just in passing, Tucker mentioned a new wind turbine construction company was opening Michoud. To be built by a British Company called Blade Dynamics, it promises to create 600 jobs by the year 2015 (http://www.nola.com/business/index.ssf/2010/08/wind_firm_to_plant_600_jobs_in.html
Accompanying Tucker to the north Louisiana meeting was District 105 Representative Ernest D. Wooten who announced he will probably be running for the senate soon, presumably against Chaisson.
Absent from the meeting were Senator Francis Thompson and Senator Bob Kostelka; house members Rick Gallot. Noble Ellington and "Rozz" Jones.
There was no mention of the v-vehicle.
The loudest applause line was when Tucker announced that he would try to keep two congressional districts in the north part of the state.
Just in passing, Tucker mentioned a new wind turbine construction company was opening Michoud. To be built by a British Company called Blade Dynamics, it promises to create 600 jobs by the year 2015 (http://www.nola.com/business/index.ssf/2010/08/wind_firm_to_plant_600_jobs_in.html
Accompanying Tucker to the north Louisiana meeting was District 105 Representative Ernest D. Wooten who announced he will probably be running for the senate soon, presumably against Chaisson.
Friday, August 27, 2010
University of Louisiana System Votes To Do Away With Tenure
The University of Louisiana System Board could vote to weaken its tenure policy at its meeting Friday morning. Instead of declaring financial exigency, which it clearly could do in view of the predicted post stimulus cuts for next year, the Board may vote instead for the death of a thousand cuts for the eight colleges they oversee.
Randy Moffitt is the person proposing this change and he no doubt has tenure himself coming from the faculty at Southeastern Louisiana University with Dr. Clausen. If the Board declared financial exigency he could not return to a classroom if he was relieved of his duties by the Board. And that goes for all of the academic vice presidents, deans and department heads in the system that have always had a tenure safety net to fall back on.
Once the word gets out in the higher education community that University of Louisiana System has weakened its tenure policy, it will be more difficult for its universities to recruit capable faculty to teach and do research without paying a lot more money. And that is exactly the opposite of what Board will say they are trying to do which is save money.
Randy Moffitt is the person proposing this change and he no doubt has tenure himself coming from the faculty at Southeastern Louisiana University with Dr. Clausen. If the Board declared financial exigency he could not return to a classroom if he was relieved of his duties by the Board. And that goes for all of the academic vice presidents, deans and department heads in the system that have always had a tenure safety net to fall back on.
Once the word gets out in the higher education community that University of Louisiana System has weakened its tenure policy, it will be more difficult for its universities to recruit capable faculty to teach and do research without paying a lot more money. And that is exactly the opposite of what Board will say they are trying to do which is save money.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Pit Bulls and Cock Fights Used as Networking Tool for Drug Traffickers
AUG 09 -- LAKE CHARLES, La. + The main organizer and supervisor of a lucrative drug trafficking organization responsible for transporting kilogram quantities of cocaine and marijuana from the Brownsville, Texas area, was sentenced on August 5, 2010 to 12.5 years in federal prison, followed by five years supervised release. Pedro Mendez Ramos, 41, of Church Point, La., was sentenced by U. S. District Judge Patricia Minaldi for Continuing a Criminal Enterprise and Money Laundering Conspiracy.
Ramos and seventeen others were indicted on a variety of drug trafficking, money laundering and firearms charges following an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation dubbed “Operation Fowl Play” and “Rio Gallo.” While under Ramos’ direction, this drug trafficking organization was responsible for transporting and distributing cocaine and marijuana from the Brownsville, Texas area to the Church Point, La. area. From Church Point, the drugs would then be distributed to Florida, Tennessee, Mississippi, Georgia, and other parts of Louisiana. Large amounts of drug proceeds would then be transported back to Brownsville, Texas and ultimately, Mexico. Ramos, an avid pit bull and cock fighter, with over three hundred gamecocks and sixty fighting pit bulls of his own, utilized these illegal events as a networking tool in order to recruit members to transport and sell cocaine and marijuana for his organization. The organization utilized various methods to conceal their cocaine, to include tractor trailers and trucks with hidden compartments and gamecock cages with false bottoms. The Ramos organization was supplied cocaine and marijuana directly from members of the Gulf Cartel, a multi-national drug trafficking organization located in Matamoros, Mexico.
At one point, the Ramos organization had amassed so much cash from the sale of cocaine that Pedro Ramos attempted to purchase Canal Oil Refinery, an oil refinery located in Church Point, La. in order to launder the organization’s drug trafficking proceeds. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), in conjunction with state and local law enforcement agencies, seized approximately 111 kilograms of cocaine and approximately 1.8 million dollars from members of Ramos’ drug trafficking organization, along with real property with an estimated value of one million dollars located in both Louisiana and Texas.
Special Agent in Charge Jimmy S. Fox III of the New Orleans Field Division stated, “The coordinated efforts of this investigation not only exposed and dismantled a sophisticated drug trafficking organization, it also helped to cease the brutality and unspeakable cruelty of animals at the hands of inhumane individuals.” U. S. Attorney Finley stated: “Organized drug trafficking threatens our safety, disrupts our communities, and destroys lives. This case is an example of how federal, state and local partnerships can succeed in dismantling large international criminal organizations. Our office is committed to combating drug trafficking in this district.”
For full story please visit us at www.DEA.gov.
Department of Justice Privacy Policy GovDelivery Privacy Policy
U.S. Department of Justice · 950 Pennsylvania Ave., NW · Washington, DC 20530 · 800-439-1420
Ramos and seventeen others were indicted on a variety of drug trafficking, money laundering and firearms charges following an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation dubbed “Operation Fowl Play” and “Rio Gallo.” While under Ramos’ direction, this drug trafficking organization was responsible for transporting and distributing cocaine and marijuana from the Brownsville, Texas area to the Church Point, La. area. From Church Point, the drugs would then be distributed to Florida, Tennessee, Mississippi, Georgia, and other parts of Louisiana. Large amounts of drug proceeds would then be transported back to Brownsville, Texas and ultimately, Mexico. Ramos, an avid pit bull and cock fighter, with over three hundred gamecocks and sixty fighting pit bulls of his own, utilized these illegal events as a networking tool in order to recruit members to transport and sell cocaine and marijuana for his organization. The organization utilized various methods to conceal their cocaine, to include tractor trailers and trucks with hidden compartments and gamecock cages with false bottoms. The Ramos organization was supplied cocaine and marijuana directly from members of the Gulf Cartel, a multi-national drug trafficking organization located in Matamoros, Mexico.
At one point, the Ramos organization had amassed so much cash from the sale of cocaine that Pedro Ramos attempted to purchase Canal Oil Refinery, an oil refinery located in Church Point, La. in order to launder the organization’s drug trafficking proceeds. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), in conjunction with state and local law enforcement agencies, seized approximately 111 kilograms of cocaine and approximately 1.8 million dollars from members of Ramos’ drug trafficking organization, along with real property with an estimated value of one million dollars located in both Louisiana and Texas.
Special Agent in Charge Jimmy S. Fox III of the New Orleans Field Division stated, “The coordinated efforts of this investigation not only exposed and dismantled a sophisticated drug trafficking organization, it also helped to cease the brutality and unspeakable cruelty of animals at the hands of inhumane individuals.” U. S. Attorney Finley stated: “Organized drug trafficking threatens our safety, disrupts our communities, and destroys lives. This case is an example of how federal, state and local partnerships can succeed in dismantling large international criminal organizations. Our office is committed to combating drug trafficking in this district.”
For full story please visit us at www.DEA.gov.
Department of Justice Privacy Policy GovDelivery Privacy Policy
U.S. Department of Justice · 950 Pennsylvania Ave., NW · Washington, DC 20530 · 800-439-1420
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Alabama Gambling Lobbyist "2 million. It's only a drop in the bucket"
Report: Ala gambling interests gave $2.2M to PACs2/22/2010, 1:06 p.m. CSTKIM CHANDLERThe Associated Press(AP) — MONTGOMERY, Ala. - During the last three days of 2009, Alabama gambling interests wrote checks for more than $2.2 million to political action committees, according to campaign finance reports.The money flowed as the state gears up for election season and a legislative and legal battle that could decide the fate of electronic bingo in the state.
Gambling opponents say it's difficult for them to compete with the deep pockets of bingo operators, while a lawyer for the state's largest casino downplayed the contributions, calling them "a drop in the bucket" compared to what's given overall in a major election cycle.Dog track and bingo casino owner Milton McGregor, along with his two tracks, was the largest contributor among the gambling interests, according to a review of 2009 campaign financial disclosure reports.McGregor and his two tracks gave nearly $1.6 million spread out among more than 30 PACs run by lobbyists and political consultants, according to a sampling of campaign finance records.
Almost all of the money was given in the final three days of 2009.McGregor owns VictoryLand in Macon County, the state's largest bingo casino with more than 6,000 machines. McGregor also owns the Birmingham Race Course -- which could be allowed to have bingo machines under legislation pending in the Alabama Legislature.The state Senate might vote as soon as this week on a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow 10 non-Indian bingo casinos across the state. The measure would be subject to voter approval in a November referendum.
The Poarch Band of Creek Indians gave more than $600,000 to political action committees run by their lobbyist, John Teague. Most of those contributions were dated Dec. 31. The Poarch Creeks operate bingo casinos in Montgomery, Atmore and Wetumpka. Teague also handled nearly $1 million of the contributions from McGregor's tracks.
Other contributors included Greenetrack and Ronnie Gilley, developer of the Country Crossing entertainment center and bingo casino in Houston County.The review of campaign records included 86 PACs that frequently have handled contributions from casinos and their owners. It did not include money contributed directly to candidates or any contributions by lawyers or public relations firms that represent the casinos, because those individuals and firms also represent other clients.
"This is just the tip of the iceberg," said gambling opponent Joe Godfrey, executive director for the Alabama Citizens Action Program. Godfrey said he believed bingo operators will invest tens of millions of dollars in campaigns and advertising because they stand to make "hundreds of millions" off gambling.Godfrey said the casino donations make it difficult for gambling opponents to contend for influence in the halls of the Alabama Legislature. And he said much more money will be poured into a statewide public relations campaign if the bingo measure goes before voters."We can't compete with the advertising and everything else," Godfrey said.
But a lawyer representing McGregor and VictoryLand said the contributions by his clients are "a drop in the bucket in a general election cycle in Alabama" during which every major state office is up for election."VictoryLand and Mr. McGregor's contributions are a matter of public record and so is his position on gaming, but ultimately he is only one man with one vote," John M. Bolton III said."VictoryLand and Mr. McGregor firmly believe that the people of Alabama should have the right to vote on a constitutional amendment that clearly defines bingo, strictly limits and regulates its operation, and generates significant revenue for education, social services and each county in the state," Bolton said.Gov. Bob Riley has been fighting to shut down the bingo operations, arguing the slot machine look-alikes are not what was intended when voters approved constitutional amendments allowing charity bingo operations.
McGregor and other bingo operators contend their machines are legal and that technology allows gamblers to play quick games of bingo electronically.Three of the state's major casinos -- VictoryLand, Country Crossing and White Hall Entertainment Center in Lowndes County -- closed after Riley's Task Force on Illegal Gambling sent large numbers of troopers to raid VictoryLand and Country Crossing last month.The task force did not have a search warrant during the raid attempts, but Riley's task force commander argued a search warrant was not needed if law enforcement officers witnessed a crime in progress.___Information from: The Birmingham News, http://www.al.com/birminghamnews© 2010 Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
Gambling opponents say it's difficult for them to compete with the deep pockets of bingo operators, while a lawyer for the state's largest casino downplayed the contributions, calling them "a drop in the bucket" compared to what's given overall in a major election cycle.Dog track and bingo casino owner Milton McGregor, along with his two tracks, was the largest contributor among the gambling interests, according to a review of 2009 campaign financial disclosure reports.McGregor and his two tracks gave nearly $1.6 million spread out among more than 30 PACs run by lobbyists and political consultants, according to a sampling of campaign finance records.
Almost all of the money was given in the final three days of 2009.McGregor owns VictoryLand in Macon County, the state's largest bingo casino with more than 6,000 machines. McGregor also owns the Birmingham Race Course -- which could be allowed to have bingo machines under legislation pending in the Alabama Legislature.The state Senate might vote as soon as this week on a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow 10 non-Indian bingo casinos across the state. The measure would be subject to voter approval in a November referendum.
The Poarch Band of Creek Indians gave more than $600,000 to political action committees run by their lobbyist, John Teague. Most of those contributions were dated Dec. 31. The Poarch Creeks operate bingo casinos in Montgomery, Atmore and Wetumpka. Teague also handled nearly $1 million of the contributions from McGregor's tracks.
Other contributors included Greenetrack and Ronnie Gilley, developer of the Country Crossing entertainment center and bingo casino in Houston County.The review of campaign records included 86 PACs that frequently have handled contributions from casinos and their owners. It did not include money contributed directly to candidates or any contributions by lawyers or public relations firms that represent the casinos, because those individuals and firms also represent other clients.
"This is just the tip of the iceberg," said gambling opponent Joe Godfrey, executive director for the Alabama Citizens Action Program. Godfrey said he believed bingo operators will invest tens of millions of dollars in campaigns and advertising because they stand to make "hundreds of millions" off gambling.Godfrey said the casino donations make it difficult for gambling opponents to contend for influence in the halls of the Alabama Legislature. And he said much more money will be poured into a statewide public relations campaign if the bingo measure goes before voters."We can't compete with the advertising and everything else," Godfrey said.
But a lawyer representing McGregor and VictoryLand said the contributions by his clients are "a drop in the bucket in a general election cycle in Alabama" during which every major state office is up for election."VictoryLand and Mr. McGregor's contributions are a matter of public record and so is his position on gaming, but ultimately he is only one man with one vote," John M. Bolton III said."VictoryLand and Mr. McGregor firmly believe that the people of Alabama should have the right to vote on a constitutional amendment that clearly defines bingo, strictly limits and regulates its operation, and generates significant revenue for education, social services and each county in the state," Bolton said.Gov. Bob Riley has been fighting to shut down the bingo operations, arguing the slot machine look-alikes are not what was intended when voters approved constitutional amendments allowing charity bingo operations.
McGregor and other bingo operators contend their machines are legal and that technology allows gamblers to play quick games of bingo electronically.Three of the state's major casinos -- VictoryLand, Country Crossing and White Hall Entertainment Center in Lowndes County -- closed after Riley's Task Force on Illegal Gambling sent large numbers of troopers to raid VictoryLand and Country Crossing last month.The task force did not have a search warrant during the raid attempts, but Riley's task force commander argued a search warrant was not needed if law enforcement officers witnessed a crime in progress.___Information from: The Birmingham News, http://www.al.com/birminghamnews© 2010 Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
colorado community college headmaster grossly overestimated revenue to sell ammendment 50 to Colorado voters.
New gambling revenue falling far short of forecastBy Andy Vuong The Denver PostPosted: 12/20/2009 01:00:00 AM MST
Nancy McCallin, president of the Colorado Community College System, says community colleges may receive just $2 million to $3 million from gambling taxes during the first year of new games and table limits. The 2008 ballot measure that eased gambling regulations was pitched as a way to bolster the ever-slimming budgets of the state's community colleges.
Much of the additional tax revenue generated from higher bet limits, 24-hour gambling and new table games would go to the schools, an estimated $29 million during the first year and $222 million over five years."Anything that's going to add over $200 million over the next five years . . . is very good for us," Nancy McCallin, president of the Colorado Community College System, said in November 2008 shortly after it was disclosed that voters had approved Amendment 50.
Now, more than five months after the gambling changes took effect in July, McCallin says community colleges may receive just $2 million to $3 million from gambling taxes during the first year. Despite a sparkling first month, the Amendment 50 changes — which came as gamblers were cutting back on casino trips amid the economic recession — haven't boosted revenue by nearly as much as initially projected.
A Denver Post analysis based on the first five months of data shows colleges could receive $4.4 million during the first year, if business stays at the current pace."We knew that it was going to be a year where we didn't have a whole lot of information, and so we knew that any of the projections were going to be a guesstimate, at best," McCallin said last week.Community colleges won't receive gaming funds until September. As required by the measure, the money has to go toward classroom instruction and financial aid.McCallin said she won't make plans on how that money will specifically be used until May, when the budgeting process for fiscal 2011 begins.
This year, state funding for community colleges was cut from $142 million to $106 million, though much of that was made up with one-time federal funding, she said.For fiscal 2011, community colleges face an $11 million cut, with no assurance that federal funding will cover the gap."That's happening the same time when our enrollment is surging, so we're going to see some substantial cuts next year," McCallin said.
Casino revenue is up 8.5 percent this fiscal year, which began in July. Industry officials initially projected growth of 20 percent to 25 percent.In November, only Black Hawk casinos saw a revenue gain, posting a 13 percent increase, according to data released last week by the Colorado Division of Gaming. Central City and Cripple Creek casinos each reported declines of about 5 percent.
Even with lower-than-expected revenue from the changes, there are concerns among historic-preservation officials that community colleges are set to receive too much of the gambling tax. When voters approved casino gambling in Black Hawk, Central City and Cripple Creek nearly two decades ago, the intention was to use the tax revenue to help restore and preserve the historic mining towns.Dan Love, president of the board of directors of Colorado Preservation Inc., said community colleges stand to receive "a disproportionately large share" of the revenue.
As it stands now, existing recipients of gambling tax revenue, which include the state historical fund and general fund, would receive $97.7 million this fiscal year (a 3 percent increase from fiscal 2009), before regulatory expenses are subtracted. Anything generated above $97.7 million is earmarked for Amendment 50 recipients, with 78 percent going to community colleges and the rest going to the various casino cities and counties.
With a projected $106 million in gambling tax revenue for fiscal 2010, based on five months of data, Amendment 50 recipients would receive $8.3 million, before regulatory and other charges. After those charges, the Amendment 50 pot drops to an estimated $5.7 million."We weren't doing this for a single increase in funding," McCallin said. "We were in this for the longer term. And longer term, we know that the gaming industry will turn around as the economy turns around and we'll see increased revenue."
Nancy McCallin, president of the Colorado Community College System, says community colleges may receive just $2 million to $3 million from gambling taxes during the first year of new games and table limits. The 2008 ballot measure that eased gambling regulations was pitched as a way to bolster the ever-slimming budgets of the state's community colleges.
Much of the additional tax revenue generated from higher bet limits, 24-hour gambling and new table games would go to the schools, an estimated $29 million during the first year and $222 million over five years."Anything that's going to add over $200 million over the next five years . . . is very good for us," Nancy McCallin, president of the Colorado Community College System, said in November 2008 shortly after it was disclosed that voters had approved Amendment 50.
Now, more than five months after the gambling changes took effect in July, McCallin says community colleges may receive just $2 million to $3 million from gambling taxes during the first year. Despite a sparkling first month, the Amendment 50 changes — which came as gamblers were cutting back on casino trips amid the economic recession — haven't boosted revenue by nearly as much as initially projected.
A Denver Post analysis based on the first five months of data shows colleges could receive $4.4 million during the first year, if business stays at the current pace."We knew that it was going to be a year where we didn't have a whole lot of information, and so we knew that any of the projections were going to be a guesstimate, at best," McCallin said last week.Community colleges won't receive gaming funds until September. As required by the measure, the money has to go toward classroom instruction and financial aid.McCallin said she won't make plans on how that money will specifically be used until May, when the budgeting process for fiscal 2011 begins.
This year, state funding for community colleges was cut from $142 million to $106 million, though much of that was made up with one-time federal funding, she said.For fiscal 2011, community colleges face an $11 million cut, with no assurance that federal funding will cover the gap."That's happening the same time when our enrollment is surging, so we're going to see some substantial cuts next year," McCallin said.
Casino revenue is up 8.5 percent this fiscal year, which began in July. Industry officials initially projected growth of 20 percent to 25 percent.In November, only Black Hawk casinos saw a revenue gain, posting a 13 percent increase, according to data released last week by the Colorado Division of Gaming. Central City and Cripple Creek casinos each reported declines of about 5 percent.
Even with lower-than-expected revenue from the changes, there are concerns among historic-preservation officials that community colleges are set to receive too much of the gambling tax. When voters approved casino gambling in Black Hawk, Central City and Cripple Creek nearly two decades ago, the intention was to use the tax revenue to help restore and preserve the historic mining towns.Dan Love, president of the board of directors of Colorado Preservation Inc., said community colleges stand to receive "a disproportionately large share" of the revenue.
As it stands now, existing recipients of gambling tax revenue, which include the state historical fund and general fund, would receive $97.7 million this fiscal year (a 3 percent increase from fiscal 2009), before regulatory expenses are subtracted. Anything generated above $97.7 million is earmarked for Amendment 50 recipients, with 78 percent going to community colleges and the rest going to the various casino cities and counties.
With a projected $106 million in gambling tax revenue for fiscal 2010, based on five months of data, Amendment 50 recipients would receive $8.3 million, before regulatory and other charges. After those charges, the Amendment 50 pot drops to an estimated $5.7 million."We weren't doing this for a single increase in funding," McCallin said. "We were in this for the longer term. And longer term, we know that the gaming industry will turn around as the economy turns around and we'll see increased revenue."
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Gambling is not Economic Development
December 15th, 2009 How Has the Recession Affected The Gambling Industry?
The recession has led to many people becoming more conservative with their spending, and this could be bad news for gambling revenues, as casinos nationwide experience huge drops in attendance and overall money spent. In order to combat consumers who are less willing to roll the dice with their dwindling savings, casinos are desperately trying to find ways to stay afloat.Atlantic City Recent numbers out of Atlantic City, the weekend gambling location for New York’s risk takers, have see decreasing returns from last year, taking in 13.4% less this November compared to 2008.
According to a report by USAPlayers.com, each of the cities 11 casinos reported a decline in earnings last month, with the biggest losses experienced in the table games, which saw a 21% drop from last year. Slot machines dropped as well, but slightly less, only 9.5%.Some casinos have cashed in their chips, deciding that they are not willing to continue to take losses in an economy that doesn’t seem will be sending customers back to the craps tables anytime soon.
The Boardwalk Casino, one of Atlantic Cities oldest gambling establishments, will soon hand over its casino to lender Wells Fargo.Las VegasEven Las Vegas isn’t immune to this latest trend, seeing an industry-wide drop in revenue of 11.6% from a year ago. October marked the 22nd straight decline in revenue, reaching its lowest point since 2003.
In an interview with the Las Vegas Review-Journal, senior director of marketing for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority Kevin Bagger said that while attendance has started to recover, consumers are still spending less.“We’re happy to see the increase in volume, but consumer spending is still impacted by the broader economy,” he said.
Because of the drop in earnings, casinos have been forced to cut down on employees; MGM Mirage laid off over 1,000 of its workers last year. Casinos are one of the major sources of jobs in Las Vegas, employing around 27% of the total workforce, according to author and former Caesar’s Palace gaming instructor Barney Vinson.
Not Recession Proof After AllThe numbers coming out of the gambling industry over the last year seem to disprove the thought that gambling is a recession proof industry.
There are some who claim that even as consumers personal incomes decline and unemployment rises, gambling will remain constant or even increase as people become desperate for quick ways to increase their money. However, with revenue losses forcing casinos nationwide to increase layoffs, and less strict gambling laws leading to competition for traditional gambling centers like Atlantic City and Las Vegas, it seems the recession may hit harder, and last longer, for the gambling industry.
The recession has led to many people becoming more conservative with their spending, and this could be bad news for gambling revenues, as casinos nationwide experience huge drops in attendance and overall money spent. In order to combat consumers who are less willing to roll the dice with their dwindling savings, casinos are desperately trying to find ways to stay afloat.Atlantic City Recent numbers out of Atlantic City, the weekend gambling location for New York’s risk takers, have see decreasing returns from last year, taking in 13.4% less this November compared to 2008.
According to a report by USAPlayers.com, each of the cities 11 casinos reported a decline in earnings last month, with the biggest losses experienced in the table games, which saw a 21% drop from last year. Slot machines dropped as well, but slightly less, only 9.5%.Some casinos have cashed in their chips, deciding that they are not willing to continue to take losses in an economy that doesn’t seem will be sending customers back to the craps tables anytime soon.
The Boardwalk Casino, one of Atlantic Cities oldest gambling establishments, will soon hand over its casino to lender Wells Fargo.Las VegasEven Las Vegas isn’t immune to this latest trend, seeing an industry-wide drop in revenue of 11.6% from a year ago. October marked the 22nd straight decline in revenue, reaching its lowest point since 2003.
In an interview with the Las Vegas Review-Journal, senior director of marketing for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority Kevin Bagger said that while attendance has started to recover, consumers are still spending less.“We’re happy to see the increase in volume, but consumer spending is still impacted by the broader economy,” he said.
Because of the drop in earnings, casinos have been forced to cut down on employees; MGM Mirage laid off over 1,000 of its workers last year. Casinos are one of the major sources of jobs in Las Vegas, employing around 27% of the total workforce, according to author and former Caesar’s Palace gaming instructor Barney Vinson.
Not Recession Proof After AllThe numbers coming out of the gambling industry over the last year seem to disprove the thought that gambling is a recession proof industry.
There are some who claim that even as consumers personal incomes decline and unemployment rises, gambling will remain constant or even increase as people become desperate for quick ways to increase their money. However, with revenue losses forcing casinos nationwide to increase layoffs, and less strict gambling laws leading to competition for traditional gambling centers like Atlantic City and Las Vegas, it seems the recession may hit harder, and last longer, for the gambling industry.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Here's To You Mrs. Wilkerson
Mrs. Kathy Wilkerson will assume a coordinator’s position at the soon-to-be re-engineered Monroe, News Star according to well placed sources in Ouachita Parish, Louisiana.
Like Gannett’s Hattiesburg, MS, American is to its Jackson, MS, Clarion Ledger, the News Star is scheduled during the next calendar year to be down-sized to just a bureau of the much more important Shreveport Times.
It’s sad for Ken Stickney, who is really running the News Star day and night while Mrs. Wilkerson and her hubby are doing the North Side Monroe social scene, most recently in ULM’s Brown Hall Row I for the Tom Friedman talk. He will probably be down-sized as well after the publisher who delayed his long over due retirement finally departs N. 4th Street. It’s a second smack down for him.
Maybe after the dust settles, Ken and Kathy can get on the Louisiana State Teat with their spouses at Delta Community College and the University of Louisiana Monroe, respectively.
Like Gannett’s Hattiesburg, MS, American is to its Jackson, MS, Clarion Ledger, the News Star is scheduled during the next calendar year to be down-sized to just a bureau of the much more important Shreveport Times.
It’s sad for Ken Stickney, who is really running the News Star day and night while Mrs. Wilkerson and her hubby are doing the North Side Monroe social scene, most recently in ULM’s Brown Hall Row I for the Tom Friedman talk. He will probably be down-sized as well after the publisher who delayed his long over due retirement finally departs N. 4th Street. It’s a second smack down for him.
Maybe after the dust settles, Ken and Kathy can get on the Louisiana State Teat with their spouses at Delta Community College and the University of Louisiana Monroe, respectively.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
caldwell loser big time
mark your calendar, today, Monroe city judge fred amman has been tapped by lincoln parish da bob levy's law firm, hudson, potts, and bernstein, to be judge marcus clark's replacement on the 4th district court.
even police juror "guy" smiley's wife, laurie burkett is withdrawing her candidacy. charley heck can't be far behind, jeff joyce too.
poor walt caldwell he gave big bucks to clark's campaign on the promise that he would be the heir to his seat. and this even after he vanished from the vote on the tax for the v-vehicle.
label caldwell loser!
even police juror "guy" smiley's wife, laurie burkett is withdrawing her candidacy. charley heck can't be far behind, jeff joyce too.
poor walt caldwell he gave big bucks to clark's campaign on the promise that he would be the heir to his seat. and this even after he vanished from the vote on the tax for the v-vehicle.
label caldwell loser!
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
national political corruption
Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2009
Senator's Affair Revealed in Text Message
By AP / KEVIN FREKING
(WASHINGTON) — A Nevada man whose wife had an affair with Sen. John Ensign said he discovered the relationship after intercepting a text message around Christmas in 2007.
"How wonderful it is. ... Scared, but excited," it read.
Doug Hampton recounted the text message during an interview taped for broadcast Monday night on ABC's "Nightline." The interview covered a lot of ground already made public since Ensign, R-Nev., admitted to the extramarital affair in June, but provided new details about how the affair was discovered as well as the senator's reaction when Hampton confronted him. (Top 10 Political Sex Scandals: Sen. John Ensign)
The acknowledgment of the affair has led to a huge fall from grace for a man that many viewed as a rising star within the GOP. He's now fighting to complete a second term in office that continues through 2012.
The Hamptons and Ensigns had been close family friends for years. Hampton told "Nightline" he confronted Ensign when both families were present during a Christmas Eve gathering. "John cries like a kid. Puts his head in his hands, cries like a little boy," Hampton said, adding that he heard remorse and panic in his old friend's voice but now believes it was disingenuous.
Hampton continued to work for Ensign as his co-chief of staff. He said that the two went on a trip to Iraq in February 2008. He said he was having troubles with his telephone and asked to borrow Ensign's to call his wife. He said Ensign scrolled to a listing for Aunt Judy instead of Cindy Hampton. "And then I realize, Wow, wow, something is seriously wrong," he said, that the affair was still going on. (Top 10 Political Sex Scandals: Kwame Kilpatrick.)
Hampton makes clear through the interview he isn't going away quietly and believes Ensign abused his power in pursuing the affair. Ensign's legal team has said it's confident that all laws and ethics rules were followed in the case, which includes Ensign helping Hampton gain employment with a lobbying firm as well as Ensign's parents providing the Hamptons with a payment of nearly $100,000 that they described as a gift. "I truly wish that I could publicly respond to each one of Doug Hampton's allegations," Ensign said. "They are full of half truths and untruths. I will cooperate with any investigation because I have not violated any law or Senate ethics rule. If Doug Hampton violated federal law and rules, I did not advise him to do so, I did not suggest that he do so, and I did not cooperate with his doing so."
cofer told faculty no furloughs at ulm if they taught for free, now what?
Priorities at ULMposted Tuesday, August 4th, 2009 @ 10:34 pm
The University of Louisiana-Monroe unveiled its plan on Monday to cope with a $4.5-million reduction in state funding for the 2009-2010 fiscal year, which began July 1.Like every publicly funded higher education institution in Louisiana, ULM faced a cut in state appropriations for the new fiscal year. The higher education community as a whole was dealt a more than $100 million budget cut. The cut was necessary in light of a more than $1 billion budget shortfall the Legislature encountered during its regular session. The 2009 regular legislative session adjourned in late June.According to ULM, the university will not renew contracts for 36 faculty and other staff members to deal with its reduction in state funding in the new fiscal year. More than 41 vacant faculty and staff positions will be eliminated. Also, staff members at ULM will take furloughs from one to four days depending upon their annual salary. Staffers who make less than $30,000 per year and ULM law enforcement personnel will not be affected by the furloughs. Faculty members won't be affected by furloughs either.According to Laura Harris, a spokesperson at ULM, no tenured or tenure-track faculty members were terminated to aid the university's efforts to balance its budget, which must be approved by the governing board at the University of Louisiana System later this month.If Harris is correct, ULM was wise not to terminate any tenured or tenure-track faculty members. Tenured and tenure-track faculty represent the backbone of any university.In the meantime, let us recall what ULM proposed earlier this year when we learned the higher ed community in Louisiana faced a more than $200 million budget cut for the new fiscal year. At the time, ULM President James Cofer proposed that the university should eliminate some 49 tenured and/or tenure-track faculty positions to deal with ULM's share of higher ed's budget cut. Thanks to some fast-and-loose budgeting employed by the Legislature, higher ed was dealt a roughly $100 million budget cut instead of a more than $200 million cut in the new fiscal year.Let us recall as well that when we learned the higher ed community would be asked to trim its expenditures in the new fiscal year, literally every university president in the state called on the Legislature to raise taxes to offset proposed budget cuts for higher ed. Thankfully the Legislature ignored higher ed's bellyaching.While we regret to witness any of Louisiana's institutions of higher education deal with a reduction in state funding, we would do well to remind ourselves of why universities exist in the first place. They exist to educate people.That said, we are a bit disturbed by ULM's decision to spare its athletic department—for the most part—in sharing in cuts the university leveled to balance its budget. After all, ULM is projected to use some $2.7 million in state funding to prop up its athletic department in the 2009-2010 fiscal year.ULM should rethink its position on athletics versus education.If the university sticks to its guns, so to speak, we'll have a clear understanding of what's important at ULM and what's not.
http://www.ouachitacitizen.com/news.php?id=4645
The University of Louisiana-Monroe unveiled its plan on Monday to cope with a $4.5-million reduction in state funding for the 2009-2010 fiscal year, which began July 1.Like every publicly funded higher education institution in Louisiana, ULM faced a cut in state appropriations for the new fiscal year. The higher education community as a whole was dealt a more than $100 million budget cut. The cut was necessary in light of a more than $1 billion budget shortfall the Legislature encountered during its regular session. The 2009 regular legislative session adjourned in late June.According to ULM, the university will not renew contracts for 36 faculty and other staff members to deal with its reduction in state funding in the new fiscal year. More than 41 vacant faculty and staff positions will be eliminated. Also, staff members at ULM will take furloughs from one to four days depending upon their annual salary. Staffers who make less than $30,000 per year and ULM law enforcement personnel will not be affected by the furloughs. Faculty members won't be affected by furloughs either.According to Laura Harris, a spokesperson at ULM, no tenured or tenure-track faculty members were terminated to aid the university's efforts to balance its budget, which must be approved by the governing board at the University of Louisiana System later this month.If Harris is correct, ULM was wise not to terminate any tenured or tenure-track faculty members. Tenured and tenure-track faculty represent the backbone of any university.In the meantime, let us recall what ULM proposed earlier this year when we learned the higher ed community in Louisiana faced a more than $200 million budget cut for the new fiscal year. At the time, ULM President James Cofer proposed that the university should eliminate some 49 tenured and/or tenure-track faculty positions to deal with ULM's share of higher ed's budget cut. Thanks to some fast-and-loose budgeting employed by the Legislature, higher ed was dealt a roughly $100 million budget cut instead of a more than $200 million cut in the new fiscal year.Let us recall as well that when we learned the higher ed community would be asked to trim its expenditures in the new fiscal year, literally every university president in the state called on the Legislature to raise taxes to offset proposed budget cuts for higher ed. Thankfully the Legislature ignored higher ed's bellyaching.While we regret to witness any of Louisiana's institutions of higher education deal with a reduction in state funding, we would do well to remind ourselves of why universities exist in the first place. They exist to educate people.That said, we are a bit disturbed by ULM's decision to spare its athletic department—for the most part—in sharing in cuts the university leveled to balance its budget. After all, ULM is projected to use some $2.7 million in state funding to prop up its athletic department in the 2009-2010 fiscal year.ULM should rethink its position on athletics versus education.If the university sticks to its guns, so to speak, we'll have a clear understanding of what's important at ULM and what's not.
http://www.ouachitacitizen.com/news.php?id=4645
louisiana political corruption
Impeachment hearings open today for Judge Thomas Porteous
By Jonathan Tilove
November 17, 2009, 7:05AM
A federal court refused Monday to issue a temporary restraining order to block the opening of congressional hearings today into the potential impeachment of U.S. District Judge Thomas Porteous of Metairie.
Judge Thomas PorteousBut Judge Richard Leon of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia said attorneys for Porteous may still file for a preliminary injunction later this year, though he counseled that their chances for success are a "very, very long shot."
Richard Westling, representing Porteous, said he will consult with his client and let the court know his decision Nov. 30.
Irvin Nathan, general counsel for the House of Representatives, argued against the temporary restraining order, saying that if Leon had granted it, it would have been the first time in history that a court had tried to block any kind of congressional hearing.
"There is not a case in our history in which a court sought to keep a congressional proceeding from proceeding," Nathan said. Leon agreed that granting the restraining order would have been "beyond extraordinary."
The hour-long hearing was held in the federal courthouse in Washington, a few blocks from the Capitol.
At issue is whether Congress, in considering impeachment, is violating Porteous' Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination by using testimony he was required to give under a grant of immunity from criminal prosecution to forumlate strategy and prepare witnesses in making the case for impeachment.
Nathan argued that the Justice Department long ago decided not to prosecute Porteous and that impeachment is explicitly not a criminal proceeding. It is also, he said, a congressional responsibility wholly beyond the power of the court.
Westling countered that impeachment is, in effect, a "quasi-criminal'' proceeding that could lead to Porteous being removed from office and barred from holding future federal office. That would happen if the House impeaches Porteous and the Senate convicts him.
Leon told Westling there was "just no precedent" for his pleading that Porteous' Fifth Amendment rights were being compromised in the impeachment proceedings. Westling replied that impeachment cases are very rare, and that he does not think there has ever been an impeachment case where immunized testimony was being used to help construct the case against the defendant.
Even without a temporary restraining order, Leon said, Porteous faces no imminent danger of lasting harm. While the House Judiciary Committee task force will hold its first hearings today and Wednesday on the Porteous case, Leon said the full House probably will not vote until the spring on whether to impeach Porteous and send his case to the Senate for trial.
Eight potential witnesses have been granted immunity to testify before the impeachment task force.
Before his appointment to the bench, Leon was counsel to Congress in the investigation of three sitting presidents, including in the Iran-Contra and Whitewater cases. He was nominated to the bench by President George W. Bush.
Porteous was nominated by President Clinton.
Among other things, he stands accused of making false statements in his personal bankruptcy filing, on his annual financial disclosure forms and on his applicaton for a bank loan, and not disclosing financial gifts from lawyers who appeared before his court.
While he continues to receive his salary as a judge for the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, he is not allowed to hear cases.
. . . . . . .
Jonathan Tilove can be reached at jtilove@timespicayune.com or 202.383.7827.
© 2009 NOLA.com. All rights reserved.
By Jonathan Tilove
November 17, 2009, 7:05AM
A federal court refused Monday to issue a temporary restraining order to block the opening of congressional hearings today into the potential impeachment of U.S. District Judge Thomas Porteous of Metairie.
Judge Thomas PorteousBut Judge Richard Leon of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia said attorneys for Porteous may still file for a preliminary injunction later this year, though he counseled that their chances for success are a "very, very long shot."
Richard Westling, representing Porteous, said he will consult with his client and let the court know his decision Nov. 30.
Irvin Nathan, general counsel for the House of Representatives, argued against the temporary restraining order, saying that if Leon had granted it, it would have been the first time in history that a court had tried to block any kind of congressional hearing.
"There is not a case in our history in which a court sought to keep a congressional proceeding from proceeding," Nathan said. Leon agreed that granting the restraining order would have been "beyond extraordinary."
The hour-long hearing was held in the federal courthouse in Washington, a few blocks from the Capitol.
At issue is whether Congress, in considering impeachment, is violating Porteous' Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination by using testimony he was required to give under a grant of immunity from criminal prosecution to forumlate strategy and prepare witnesses in making the case for impeachment.
Nathan argued that the Justice Department long ago decided not to prosecute Porteous and that impeachment is explicitly not a criminal proceeding. It is also, he said, a congressional responsibility wholly beyond the power of the court.
Westling countered that impeachment is, in effect, a "quasi-criminal'' proceeding that could lead to Porteous being removed from office and barred from holding future federal office. That would happen if the House impeaches Porteous and the Senate convicts him.
Leon told Westling there was "just no precedent" for his pleading that Porteous' Fifth Amendment rights were being compromised in the impeachment proceedings. Westling replied that impeachment cases are very rare, and that he does not think there has ever been an impeachment case where immunized testimony was being used to help construct the case against the defendant.
Even without a temporary restraining order, Leon said, Porteous faces no imminent danger of lasting harm. While the House Judiciary Committee task force will hold its first hearings today and Wednesday on the Porteous case, Leon said the full House probably will not vote until the spring on whether to impeach Porteous and send his case to the Senate for trial.
Eight potential witnesses have been granted immunity to testify before the impeachment task force.
Before his appointment to the bench, Leon was counsel to Congress in the investigation of three sitting presidents, including in the Iran-Contra and Whitewater cases. He was nominated to the bench by President George W. Bush.
Porteous was nominated by President Clinton.
Among other things, he stands accused of making false statements in his personal bankruptcy filing, on his annual financial disclosure forms and on his applicaton for a bank loan, and not disclosing financial gifts from lawyers who appeared before his court.
While he continues to receive his salary as a judge for the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, he is not allowed to hear cases.
. . . . . . .
Jonathan Tilove can be reached at jtilove@timespicayune.com or 202.383.7827.
© 2009 NOLA.com. All rights reserved.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Good News from Connecticut:Slots Revenue Down
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State budget may take hit from slots
State budget may take hit from slots
Published on 10/13/2009 in Home »State »State News
Hartford (AP) - Connecticut officials say this year's state budget could end up further in deficit because of declining slot machine revenues at the two casinos in the state.
Foxwoods Resort Casino and Mohegan Sun give Connecticut 25 percent of their slot machine revenues, under contracts with the state.
State officials say there could be a $50 million deficit in slot machine revenue when the fiscal year ends June 30, 2010. That's in addition to the $500 million deficit Comptroller Nancy Wyman is predicting for the year.
State officials planned for a 1 percent increase in slot machine revenue this year and a 3 percent increase next year in the current two year, $38 billion budget. But both casinos reported slot revenue declines of more than 10 percent in August.
"Regional"
State budget may take hit from slots
State budget may take hit from slots
Published on 10/13/2009 in Home »State »State News
Hartford (AP) - Connecticut officials say this year's state budget could end up further in deficit because of declining slot machine revenues at the two casinos in the state.
Foxwoods Resort Casino and Mohegan Sun give Connecticut 25 percent of their slot machine revenues, under contracts with the state.
State officials say there could be a $50 million deficit in slot machine revenue when the fiscal year ends June 30, 2010. That's in addition to the $500 million deficit Comptroller Nancy Wyman is predicting for the year.
State officials planned for a 1 percent increase in slot machine revenue this year and a 3 percent increase next year in the current two year, $38 billion budget. But both casinos reported slot revenue declines of more than 10 percent in August.
"Regional"
Thursday, September 10, 2009
States Face Drop in Gambling Revenues
September 10, 2009
States Face Drop in Gambling Revenues
By IAN URBINA
CINCINNATI — Casinos and lotteries in most states are reporting a downturn in revenue for the first time, resulting in a drop in the money collected by state and local governments, according to new state data.
The decline comes as states are rapidly expanding gambling in hopes of stemming severe budget shortfalls, and it indicates that gambling is not insulated from broader economic forces like recessions, as has been argued in the past.
The drop has led some gambling experts to wonder whether the industry is reaching market saturation, whereby a limited number of gamblers with a fixed amount of money to bet is being split across a growing number of gambling options.
States that have been invested in gambling the longest have been hit hardest. Illinois reported a $166 million drop in tax revenue in fiscal year 2009, from 2008; Nevada had a $122 million drop, and New Jersey $62 million.
In hopes of enticing more gamblers, New Jersey lawmakers have repealed a smoking ban, and in Illinois they are considering allowing free drinks on riverboat casinos.
“The data shows that states take a real chance in depending on gambling because this revenue is not likely to keep pace with growing budgetary needs,” said Lucy Dadayan, a senior analyst at the Nelson A. Rockefeller Institute of Government at the State University at Albany, which will release a report on the subject next week.
“In the absence of new types of gambling, it can become a zero-sum game as states compete for the same pot.”
Others, however, argue that the current decline is temporary, and that the industry has plenty of room to expand. Some experts expect revenues to bounce back, but doubt they will be as robust as they were before the recession.
The 12 states that have casinos made $4.5 billion in fiscal year 2009, which ended June 30, a 7.4 percent drop from last year, according to the state data. Among the roughly 42 states with lotteries, 38 reported data indicating that they made $14.5 billion this year, a 2.6 percent drop compared with the earnings from the same states last year.
Gambling critics have long maintained that it provides short-term revenue at the expense of long-term social costs, like increased crime and addiction. But the new data also shows that the revenue collected by states and local governments is decreasing while competition for it is on the rise. Still, state leaders are looking for ways to get a piece of the earnings.
Here in Ohio, Gov. Ted Strickland, a Democrat and former Methodist minister, reversed his opposition to gambling and, in conjunction with the legislature, issued a directive allowing video slots at the state’s seven racetracks.
In Colorado, voters last year backed an increase in betting limits at casinos, and Missouri voters approved the end of limits on how much a gambler can lose. “We need those slots like nobody’s business,” said Mildred Cox, 77, who for 28 years has run the concession stand at River Downs here, one of the seven horse racing tracks slated to receive some of the state’s 17,500 proposed new slot machines. “Look at this place, it’s desolate.”
Across from her, a crowd of older men, betting tickets in hand, stood staring at several televisions mounted on the wall showing races in other states and Canada.
As a bell rang, the horses sprinted by, competing for a winning prize of $4,600. But the men barely broke their concentration from the televisions.
“You can’t attract the best horses and the biggest bettors with purses like that,” said Ms. Cox, pointing outside at a largely empty grandstand.
Thirty years ago, gamblers had to go to Las Vegas or Atlantic City to bet legally. Now, a dozen states have commercial casinos, 12 have “racinos,” or slot machines and other games that are installed at racetracks, 29 states have Indian casinos, and at least 42 states and the District of Columbia, have lotteries.
“When budgets get tight, expanding gambling always looks to lawmakers like the perfect quick-fix solution,” said John Kindt, a professor of business and legal policy at the University of Illinois who studies the impact of state-sponsored gambling. “But in the end, it so often proves to be neither quick nor a fix.”
Crime jumps 10 percent in areas with casinos, personal bankruptcies soar 18 percent to 42 percent and the number of new gambling addicts doubles, Mr. Kindt said. Predicted state revenue often falls short and plans frequently get tripped up by legal fights or popular opposition, he said.
In Delaware, for example, Gov. Jack Markell said in March that he wanted to legalize sports betting in casinos, which he said would bring in $53 million in the first year to help plug an $800 million budget shortfall. But the plan was blocked by a federal court in Philadelphia on Aug. 24 on the grounds that it would undermine confidence in professional sports.
In Ohio, Governor Strickland reversed his stance on video slots at racetracks based on a “conservative” estimate that the new machines would net more than $760 million to the state.
But the slots are not likely to arrive here any time soon because a lawsuit is pending before the Ohio Supreme Court that argues that the plan should be placed before the voters. The slots may also get overtaken by a proposed constitutional amendment that will be on the November ballot and would allow four full-fledged casinos, one each in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus and Toledo.
Still, Frank J. Fahrenkopf Jr., president of the American Gaming Association, said states had plenty of reasons to want to expand gambling.
“Even though our revenues are down during the recession, bringing a casino into a community will still provide new jobs, new tax revenues, new opportunities for local vendors and other benefits that didn’t exist before,” Mr. Fahrenkopf said. “It isn’t surprising that as consumers are tightening their wallets, and with less discretionary spending for entertainment, they are spending less when they visit casinos, too.”
About 60 percent of people who participate in casino gambling have cut back on spending on the activity, according to a 2008 national survey conducted by the association.
Despite the downturn, revenue from racinos grew this fiscal year, producing $2.9 billion in taxes and fees in 12 states compared with $2.7 billion the year before, a 6.7 percent increase.
But Ms. Dadayan of the Rockefeller Institute said the racino windfalls might be short-lived because slot profits usually soften with time as their novelty wears off and more states add machines.
If Pennsylvania and Indiana, where slots are new, are excluded, the total slot revenue from the other 10 states with racinos actually fell by $76 million in fiscal year 2009, a 4 percent decline.
States Face Drop in Gambling Revenues
By IAN URBINA
CINCINNATI — Casinos and lotteries in most states are reporting a downturn in revenue for the first time, resulting in a drop in the money collected by state and local governments, according to new state data.
The decline comes as states are rapidly expanding gambling in hopes of stemming severe budget shortfalls, and it indicates that gambling is not insulated from broader economic forces like recessions, as has been argued in the past.
The drop has led some gambling experts to wonder whether the industry is reaching market saturation, whereby a limited number of gamblers with a fixed amount of money to bet is being split across a growing number of gambling options.
States that have been invested in gambling the longest have been hit hardest. Illinois reported a $166 million drop in tax revenue in fiscal year 2009, from 2008; Nevada had a $122 million drop, and New Jersey $62 million.
In hopes of enticing more gamblers, New Jersey lawmakers have repealed a smoking ban, and in Illinois they are considering allowing free drinks on riverboat casinos.
“The data shows that states take a real chance in depending on gambling because this revenue is not likely to keep pace with growing budgetary needs,” said Lucy Dadayan, a senior analyst at the Nelson A. Rockefeller Institute of Government at the State University at Albany, which will release a report on the subject next week.
“In the absence of new types of gambling, it can become a zero-sum game as states compete for the same pot.”
Others, however, argue that the current decline is temporary, and that the industry has plenty of room to expand. Some experts expect revenues to bounce back, but doubt they will be as robust as they were before the recession.
The 12 states that have casinos made $4.5 billion in fiscal year 2009, which ended June 30, a 7.4 percent drop from last year, according to the state data. Among the roughly 42 states with lotteries, 38 reported data indicating that they made $14.5 billion this year, a 2.6 percent drop compared with the earnings from the same states last year.
Gambling critics have long maintained that it provides short-term revenue at the expense of long-term social costs, like increased crime and addiction. But the new data also shows that the revenue collected by states and local governments is decreasing while competition for it is on the rise. Still, state leaders are looking for ways to get a piece of the earnings.
Here in Ohio, Gov. Ted Strickland, a Democrat and former Methodist minister, reversed his opposition to gambling and, in conjunction with the legislature, issued a directive allowing video slots at the state’s seven racetracks.
In Colorado, voters last year backed an increase in betting limits at casinos, and Missouri voters approved the end of limits on how much a gambler can lose. “We need those slots like nobody’s business,” said Mildred Cox, 77, who for 28 years has run the concession stand at River Downs here, one of the seven horse racing tracks slated to receive some of the state’s 17,500 proposed new slot machines. “Look at this place, it’s desolate.”
Across from her, a crowd of older men, betting tickets in hand, stood staring at several televisions mounted on the wall showing races in other states and Canada.
As a bell rang, the horses sprinted by, competing for a winning prize of $4,600. But the men barely broke their concentration from the televisions.
“You can’t attract the best horses and the biggest bettors with purses like that,” said Ms. Cox, pointing outside at a largely empty grandstand.
Thirty years ago, gamblers had to go to Las Vegas or Atlantic City to bet legally. Now, a dozen states have commercial casinos, 12 have “racinos,” or slot machines and other games that are installed at racetracks, 29 states have Indian casinos, and at least 42 states and the District of Columbia, have lotteries.
“When budgets get tight, expanding gambling always looks to lawmakers like the perfect quick-fix solution,” said John Kindt, a professor of business and legal policy at the University of Illinois who studies the impact of state-sponsored gambling. “But in the end, it so often proves to be neither quick nor a fix.”
Crime jumps 10 percent in areas with casinos, personal bankruptcies soar 18 percent to 42 percent and the number of new gambling addicts doubles, Mr. Kindt said. Predicted state revenue often falls short and plans frequently get tripped up by legal fights or popular opposition, he said.
In Delaware, for example, Gov. Jack Markell said in March that he wanted to legalize sports betting in casinos, which he said would bring in $53 million in the first year to help plug an $800 million budget shortfall. But the plan was blocked by a federal court in Philadelphia on Aug. 24 on the grounds that it would undermine confidence in professional sports.
In Ohio, Governor Strickland reversed his stance on video slots at racetracks based on a “conservative” estimate that the new machines would net more than $760 million to the state.
But the slots are not likely to arrive here any time soon because a lawsuit is pending before the Ohio Supreme Court that argues that the plan should be placed before the voters. The slots may also get overtaken by a proposed constitutional amendment that will be on the November ballot and would allow four full-fledged casinos, one each in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus and Toledo.
Still, Frank J. Fahrenkopf Jr., president of the American Gaming Association, said states had plenty of reasons to want to expand gambling.
“Even though our revenues are down during the recession, bringing a casino into a community will still provide new jobs, new tax revenues, new opportunities for local vendors and other benefits that didn’t exist before,” Mr. Fahrenkopf said. “It isn’t surprising that as consumers are tightening their wallets, and with less discretionary spending for entertainment, they are spending less when they visit casinos, too.”
About 60 percent of people who participate in casino gambling have cut back on spending on the activity, according to a 2008 national survey conducted by the association.
Despite the downturn, revenue from racinos grew this fiscal year, producing $2.9 billion in taxes and fees in 12 states compared with $2.7 billion the year before, a 6.7 percent increase.
But Ms. Dadayan of the Rockefeller Institute said the racino windfalls might be short-lived because slot profits usually soften with time as their novelty wears off and more states add machines.
If Pennsylvania and Indiana, where slots are new, are excluded, the total slot revenue from the other 10 states with racinos actually fell by $76 million in fiscal year 2009, a 4 percent decline.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Sen. Voinovich: "When it comes to gambling you can't be half pregnant".
Friday, September 04, 2009 Reginald FieldsPlain Dealer Bureau ChiefColumbus- U.S. Sen. George Voinovich, a longtime gambling opponent, called out Gov. Ted Strickland on Thursday for flipping his position on gambling and authorizing slot machine betting at Ohio racetracks. Voinovich, speaking during a news conference called to oppose the slots plan and a separate casino issue, raised his voice, pounded a lectern and twice referred to God as the source that has helped opponents beat back every prior attempt at full-fledged gambling here. Strickland's office responded, saying the Democratic governor knew he would be criticized but offers no apologies for making the tough call for slots to help balance Ohio's budget.
Voinovich, a former Ohio governor and Cleveland mayor, recalled how Strickland joined him in 2006 to oppose a gambling ballot proposal and came out against another gambling proposal just last year, saying it was bad for Ohio families and not the route to economic recovery. Strickland's plan, backed by the state legislature and approved in July, legalizes up to 17,500 slot machines at Ohio's seven horse-racing tracks under the authority of the Ohio Lottery. "Based on his past comments, he knows this is not in the best interest of Ohio families," Voinovich charged. "These slots will run 24 hours a day and be available to even people who aren't old enough to buy alcoholic beverages. "And I think he's got to understand," the Republican senator continued, "that when it comes to gambling, you can't be half-pregnant. The expansion of the lottery is opening the door to full-blown gambling in this state." Strickland's office took Voinovich's criticism in stride, saying it had few other options for balancing the budget for the next two years in light of Ohio's depressing economic outlook. Strickland is counting on the slots plan to bring in $933 million between now and June 2011. "The world changed tremendously about a year ago with the collapse of Lehman Brothers when Ohio began to face a lingering national recession which led to a shortfall in this state," said Strickland spokeswoman Amanda Wurst.
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http://www.cleveland.com/open/index.ssf/2009/09/sen_george_voinovich_blasts_sl.html
Voinovich, a former Ohio governor and Cleveland mayor, recalled how Strickland joined him in 2006 to oppose a gambling ballot proposal and came out against another gambling proposal just last year, saying it was bad for Ohio families and not the route to economic recovery. Strickland's plan, backed by the state legislature and approved in July, legalizes up to 17,500 slot machines at Ohio's seven horse-racing tracks under the authority of the Ohio Lottery. "Based on his past comments, he knows this is not in the best interest of Ohio families," Voinovich charged. "These slots will run 24 hours a day and be available to even people who aren't old enough to buy alcoholic beverages. "And I think he's got to understand," the Republican senator continued, "that when it comes to gambling, you can't be half-pregnant. The expansion of the lottery is opening the door to full-blown gambling in this state." Strickland's office took Voinovich's criticism in stride, saying it had few other options for balancing the budget for the next two years in light of Ohio's depressing economic outlook. Strickland is counting on the slots plan to bring in $933 million between now and June 2011. "The world changed tremendously about a year ago with the collapse of Lehman Brothers when Ohio began to face a lingering national recession which led to a shortfall in this state," said Strickland spokeswoman Amanda Wurst.
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http://www.cleveland.com/open/index.ssf/2009/09/sen_george_voinovich_blasts_sl.html
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Oh The Pain!
The University of Louisiana Board of Supervisors met one week after they partied hearty with Pat Banitar (Patricia Mae Andrzejewski to her friends) at the Paragon Casino in Marksville, LA, and rubber stamped the "plan" from the lsujc/nelscu/nlu/ulm to furlough surviving faculty and staff and fire 36 faculty and staff. The lies, Cofer told the faculty that if they taught for free no one would be fired; Cofer told the NewsStar there would be no furloughs because the faculty were working for free; Cofer told KNOE TV there would be no programs eliminated. Economics, Occupuational Theraphy, Philosophy, Entrepreneurship, and Home Economics have been killed, forever. Aviation, Agriculture, and Dental Hygiene are on life support. But who cares about the chronic illnesses at ULM? Well obviously not the governor's people on the Board of Supervisors.
Maybe the Board of Regents and her highness Sally Clausen EdD will do something this week at their board meeting. She hired Cofer. Or the Regents who have budget authority over all higher education might block these furloughs and firings. But alas, the closest board member to Monroe, LA, is the morally and professionally conflicted District Attorney of Lincoln Parish and of counsel at Hudson Potts and Bernstein law firm, Robert Levy.
Maybe the Board of Regents and her highness Sally Clausen EdD will do something this week at their board meeting. She hired Cofer. Or the Regents who have budget authority over all higher education might block these furloughs and firings. But alas, the closest board member to Monroe, LA, is the morally and professionally conflicted District Attorney of Lincoln Parish and of counsel at Hudson Potts and Bernstein law firm, Robert Levy.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Louisiana Mississippi casinos stop new construction, loose jobs
Written by LAN SAYRE
NEW ORLEANS (AP) – With the recession tightening gamblers’ wallets, Louisiana and Mississippi state-licensed casinos registered drops in wagering revenue in April.
Mississippi casinos recorded an 11.7 percent fall from $232.8 million in March to $205.4 million in April, the State Tax Commission reported Tuesday.
In Louisiana, riverboat casinos, Harrah’s downtown New Orleans casino and the four slot casinos at racetracks won $202.6 million in April, down 7.1 percent from $218.1 million in March, state police reported.
It was the fourth consecutive month of revenue drops for Louisiana casinos, which, for some time, had resisted economic pressure and enjoyed strong figures while markets such as Nevada and New Jersey experienced double-digit drops.
Mississippi casino winnings from January to April dropped 7.9 percent this year to $872.8 million from $947.8 million for the first four months of 2008. In Louisiana, the drop was much less: 1.5 percent to $864.9 million from $878.5 million.
Industry analysts said Indian reservation casinos are offering competition for Texas customers of casinos in the Shreveport-Bossier City area of northwest Louisiana. Indian-operated casinos in Florida also are stepping up competition for Mississippi Gulf Coast casinos that draw from eastern Gulf states.
Larry Gregory, executive director of the Mississippi Gaming Commission, said the results show regional, drive-to markets are faring much better during the recession than larger gambling meccas.
“People are just not hopping on a plane and going,” Gregory said.
Mississippi Gulf Coast casinos won $92.7 million last month, down from $101.9 million in March, while those along the Mississippi River took in $112.8 million, down from the March figure of $130.9 million.
“We’re still seeing the same amount of visitors, but they’re apparently not spending as much,” Gregory said.
In Louisiana, the Shreveport-Bossier City market, which has five riverboats and the Louisiana Downs track casino, took in $64.8 million last month, down from $69.4 million in April. The Lake Charles market, with three riverboats and the Delta Downs track casino, won $53 million, a slide from $58.1 million in March. Both markets are heavily dependent upon Texas gamblers.
The New Orleans market, which has two riverboats, the downtown casino and the Fair Grounds track casino, won $54 million in April, a fall from $58.4 million in March. The two riverboats in Baton Rouge won $17.9 million in April, a drop from March’s $18.8 million.
The single riverboat in the Morgan City area took in $4.4 million last month, down from $4.6 million in March. The Evangeline Downs track casino at Opelousas won $8.6 million in April, a dip from $8.7 million in March.
The two states’ figures do not include Indian reservation casinos, which are not required to publicly report winnings.
The slowdown in both states is cutting casino employment and delaying new casino projects.
According to the American Gaming Association, casino jobs fell 6 percent – or 1,830 – year in Mississippi to 28,740, while employment in Louisiana dropped 4.1 percent – or 740 jobs – to 17,268.
In Biloxi, Harrah’s Entertainment Inc. has put the $700 million Margaritaville Casino & Resort project on hold. In Louisiana, Pinnacle Entertainment Inc. has received five-month delays in its plans for two riverboat casino projects totaling $600 million for Lake Charles and Baton Rouge. In addition to a slowdown in play, casino companies find construction financing virtually impossible to get because of the national credit meltdown.
NEW ORLEANS (AP) – With the recession tightening gamblers’ wallets, Louisiana and Mississippi state-licensed casinos registered drops in wagering revenue in April.
Mississippi casinos recorded an 11.7 percent fall from $232.8 million in March to $205.4 million in April, the State Tax Commission reported Tuesday.
In Louisiana, riverboat casinos, Harrah’s downtown New Orleans casino and the four slot casinos at racetracks won $202.6 million in April, down 7.1 percent from $218.1 million in March, state police reported.
It was the fourth consecutive month of revenue drops for Louisiana casinos, which, for some time, had resisted economic pressure and enjoyed strong figures while markets such as Nevada and New Jersey experienced double-digit drops.
Mississippi casino winnings from January to April dropped 7.9 percent this year to $872.8 million from $947.8 million for the first four months of 2008. In Louisiana, the drop was much less: 1.5 percent to $864.9 million from $878.5 million.
Industry analysts said Indian reservation casinos are offering competition for Texas customers of casinos in the Shreveport-Bossier City area of northwest Louisiana. Indian-operated casinos in Florida also are stepping up competition for Mississippi Gulf Coast casinos that draw from eastern Gulf states.
Larry Gregory, executive director of the Mississippi Gaming Commission, said the results show regional, drive-to markets are faring much better during the recession than larger gambling meccas.
“People are just not hopping on a plane and going,” Gregory said.
Mississippi Gulf Coast casinos won $92.7 million last month, down from $101.9 million in March, while those along the Mississippi River took in $112.8 million, down from the March figure of $130.9 million.
“We’re still seeing the same amount of visitors, but they’re apparently not spending as much,” Gregory said.
In Louisiana, the Shreveport-Bossier City market, which has five riverboats and the Louisiana Downs track casino, took in $64.8 million last month, down from $69.4 million in April. The Lake Charles market, with three riverboats and the Delta Downs track casino, won $53 million, a slide from $58.1 million in March. Both markets are heavily dependent upon Texas gamblers.
The New Orleans market, which has two riverboats, the downtown casino and the Fair Grounds track casino, won $54 million in April, a fall from $58.4 million in March. The two riverboats in Baton Rouge won $17.9 million in April, a drop from March’s $18.8 million.
The single riverboat in the Morgan City area took in $4.4 million last month, down from $4.6 million in March. The Evangeline Downs track casino at Opelousas won $8.6 million in April, a dip from $8.7 million in March.
The two states’ figures do not include Indian reservation casinos, which are not required to publicly report winnings.
The slowdown in both states is cutting casino employment and delaying new casino projects.
According to the American Gaming Association, casino jobs fell 6 percent – or 1,830 – year in Mississippi to 28,740, while employment in Louisiana dropped 4.1 percent – or 740 jobs – to 17,268.
In Biloxi, Harrah’s Entertainment Inc. has put the $700 million Margaritaville Casino & Resort project on hold. In Louisiana, Pinnacle Entertainment Inc. has received five-month delays in its plans for two riverboat casino projects totaling $600 million for Lake Charles and Baton Rouge. In addition to a slowdown in play, casino companies find construction financing virtually impossible to get because of the national credit meltdown.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Last Supper for James Cofer EdD this Saturday
When the parents of the meager number of 2009 Summer graduates of ULM enter Fant-Ewing Coliseum, they will greeted by an extra chair on the head stage for Her Highness the Commissioner of Higher Education, Sally Clausen EdD ($377,000 salary). Seems she called at the last second demanding a place.
The last time Sally came for a tête-à-tête with a president at ULM it was Lawson Swearingen, Jr. JD. During their private din-din in the Tower of Power, she lowered the sword of Damocles on Swearingen. He was gone in a few months after, although half of his salary was still paid from the ULM operating budget until last year.
This time Sally is coming to sup with James Cofer Ed.D ($252,886 salary on the table), and the odds are very good that they won’t be talking about the mostly women faculty and staff assassinated this summer by him and his Gang of Four; nor will they be discussing the myriad of successful academic programs he and the Gang of Four have killed; nor will they be talking about the miserable failure of his athletic programs.
No one in the legislature or the boards of higher education and control really cares a wit about faculty, staff, academic programs, or students for that matter. Sally and Jim will be talking about the $80,000,000 in debt that Cofer has saddled the state with for the construction of “dormitories.”
You see up to now Cofer has only been paying a smidgen of the interest on this money from the ULM budget. This school year he has to start paying all the interest and when the final domino falls in a couple of years he will have to pay the principal too. For a school with enrollment levels being maintained by concurrently enrolled high school students who do not occupy dormitories, where is the money going to come from?
So Saturday Jimmy will be served his last supper a la Swearingen by Sally and Airmark Inc. Sayonara Jimmy Boy.
The last time Sally came for a tête-à-tête with a president at ULM it was Lawson Swearingen, Jr. JD. During their private din-din in the Tower of Power, she lowered the sword of Damocles on Swearingen. He was gone in a few months after, although half of his salary was still paid from the ULM operating budget until last year.
This time Sally is coming to sup with James Cofer Ed.D ($252,886 salary on the table), and the odds are very good that they won’t be talking about the mostly women faculty and staff assassinated this summer by him and his Gang of Four; nor will they be discussing the myriad of successful academic programs he and the Gang of Four have killed; nor will they be talking about the miserable failure of his athletic programs.
No one in the legislature or the boards of higher education and control really cares a wit about faculty, staff, academic programs, or students for that matter. Sally and Jim will be talking about the $80,000,000 in debt that Cofer has saddled the state with for the construction of “dormitories.”
You see up to now Cofer has only been paying a smidgen of the interest on this money from the ULM budget. This school year he has to start paying all the interest and when the final domino falls in a couple of years he will have to pay the principal too. For a school with enrollment levels being maintained by concurrently enrolled high school students who do not occupy dormitories, where is the money going to come from?
So Saturday Jimmy will be served his last supper a la Swearingen by Sally and Airmark Inc. Sayonara Jimmy Boy.
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