Vote yes on Proposition A

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Proposition A on Tuesday's ballot is a straightforward, common-sense measure that benefits Missouri's economy and our schools - bringing more than $1.5 million annually in new revenues to Cape Girardeau County's public schools without increasing taxes on local residents.

The facts are clear: Just two states impose no limits on the number of casino licenses or the precise locations of casinos: Missouri and Nevada . The sky is the limit in Nevada - and Missourians can agree by voting YES on A that we do not want be like Las Vegas.

Illinois is restricted to 10 licenses statewide. Kansas has restricted its new casinos to seven licenses. These and most other states limit the number of licenses to prevent the marketplace from becoming saturated, which puts state revenues at risk. Our neighboring states put high taxes on the casinos to maximize state revenues. Prop A will increase the tax that Missouri casinos pay to 21 percent. This is on top of the other taxes that businesses pay in our state, as well as a $2 per visitor fee paid by casinos that helps pay for early childhood education, college financial aid and programs across Missouri.

Under the Missouri Constitution, casino tax revenues must be used to support education. The Legislature cannot change that.

Section 313.822 (2) of Prop A strengthens this Constitutional mandate by clearly stating that the casino tax revenues, "Shall be used solely for education pursuant to the Missouri Constitution."

And, Prop A's Section 160.534 (3) requires that the casino tax revenues "shall constitute new and additional funding for elementary and secondary education and shall not be used to replace existing funding provided for elementary and secondary education."

Prop A also requires annual audits to be released to the public by the Missouri State Auditor, to ensure the politicians and bureaucrats can't get away with shuffling school funds around. Section 313.822 (3) of Prop A declares: "The state auditor shall perform an annual audit," and "make copies of each audit available to the public."

The State Auditor says Prop A will provide up to $130 million in new money every year for schools statewide, without increasing any taxes on Missouri residents. This is in addition to the $300 million per year being generated for schools by the state gaming tax paid by casinos.

Since casinos began operating in Missouri more than 15 years ago, they have paid about $3 billion in taxes to support education and casinos have made about $3 billion in infrastructure investments.

That's why Prop A is endorsed by a statewide coalition of educators and leaders in business, community service and taxpayer advocacy, including the Missouri State Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Taxpayers Research Institute of Missouri.

Please read Prop A for yourself at www.YESonPropA.com

When you consider the facts, you will see that it makes common sense to vote YES on Prop A.

Scott Charton is spokesman for the YES on A Coalition.