Kentucky Pensions end run?

Kentucky legislature attempting an end-run around governor's opposition to casinos in Kentucky by making all public service pensions in the state funded by casino derived revenue until 2038. 100 percent of state revenues from casinos would have to go to state pension system under scheme proposed by three Republican legislators.

http://www.whas11.com/news/local/bill-would-use-casino-gaming-to-fund-pensions/510712611

An "introduced" bill "that would amend the state’s constitution", so probably just a gesture

Quote: odiousgambit

An "introduced" bill "that would amend the state’s constitution", so probably just a gesture

Yes, at this stage I would agree that it is an opening salvo particularly since it is only three urban legislators at this stage.

More publicity on this end-run. Proponents focusing on "turning around the carloads of cash leaving the state of Kentucky bound for other state's casinos" and the now dire need for funds together with the assertion that a tax increase in not a realistic option and no "social costs" will result since Kentucky already has a state run Keno-like lottery and therefore already has any social costs that might be involved.,

The bill that was submitted only calls for a Constitutional Amendment to be presented to the voters, no companion bill (enabling legislation) is being submitted as proponents wanted to 'avoid muddying the waters' and getting bogged down in implementation details as to precise locations or sizes of the casinos.

Bill will require three fifths of each of the houses of the legislature and then it will go to the voters since the Governor is not able to veto a proposed constitutional amendment.

https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/politics/2018/02/01/kentucky-lawmakers-casino-bills-2018/1082681001/

Many Kentucky schools closed as teachers fail to show up after Governor signed bill that left current pensions generally intact but utterly gutted the system for any new hires thus impairing the power of the teachers union in a state wherein all public pensions are woefully underfunded.

No further word on pensions and casinos.

Quote: odiousgambit

http://www.whas11.com/news/local/bill-would-use-casino-gaming-to-fund-pensions/510712611

An "introduced" bill "that would amend the state’s constitution", so probably just a gesture

That's how Kentucky's constitution is amended - a 3/5 vote in each house of Kentucky's legislature, then a majority vote of the voters at the next general House/Senate election, provided it is at least 90 days after the last of the legislature approvals. Note that, as written, the Governor has no say in the matter (other than voting for final passage like every other voter in Kentucky).

The battle continues...

A God who created mathematics, economics and compassion would not consider Kentucky legislators pious; he would consider them just dumb.

Article comparing Churchill Downs slot machines and taxing scheme to full casino gambling and taxing scheme as proposed by changes sought in Kentucky law.

jgerth@courierjournal.com