I just received an email (which all my fellow students received as well) from the President of the University of Kentucky, Lee Todd. He was informing me of the Budget cuts to UK and other Kentucky public universities. They are fighting the cuts, but if passed, it could result in significant tuition raises, faculty lay-offs and program closures.
At first I was mad. Then I went to
governor.ky.gov to see what Beshear had to say about this. And I must admit that I agree Kentucky needs to do something about their current situation (as do many other states evidently). And I also must admit that I very much agree with Governor Beshear's plan of action to solve the current Budget situation. I will quote from his
2008 Budget Address.
Other states' gaming facilities are on most of our borders, and each year thousands of Kentuckians visit them and spend over one billion dollars of their entertainment money.
Right now, those Kentucky dollars are educating Indiana's kids, providing healthcare for Illinois' seniors, and paving West Virginia's roads.
Do we want Kentucky money continuing to benefit the people of other states, or do we want to bring it home to improve the quality of life of our own people?
While estimates vary, it is safe to say that allowing limited expanded gaming in Kentucky would result in hundreds of million dollars in new tax revenue every year.
Kentuckians have overwhelmingly indicated that they want the right to vote on this issue, and it is time that you allow them to do so.
In the coming weeks, I will be submitting to this General Assembly a constitutional amendment which would allow the people of our state to vote on whether to allow limited expanded gaming in Kentucky.
I would very much like an opportunity to vote on this issue and I encourage you to decide where you stand on the issue and for it or against it, vote!!!
