Sen. Crowell to Appointed to Two Committees

JEFFERSON CITY --Senator Jason Crowell, R-Cape Girardeau, has been appointed to the Joint Committee on Gaming & Wagering and reappointed to the Missouri Arts Council.

The Joint Committee on Gaming and Wagering is a committee of 10 members from the House and Senate. The committee conducts a legislative review of all state authorized gaming and wagering activities, including proposed constitutional and statutory changes or other pertinent information that may affect the integrity of gaming.

"In Cape Girardeau, we have been recently awarded the last casino license in Missouri," said Sen. Crowell. "With this role on the Joint Committee on Gaming and Wagering, I will be able to better over-see and hold accountable through transparency and rational regulation Southeast Missouri's gaming industry."

State gaming regulators announced in December that Cape Girardeau would be the location for the state's newest casino. Construction is expected to start this summer.

The Missouri Arts Council (MAC) is a state agency and division of the Department of Economic Development that provides more than $8 million a year to nonprofit organizations through grants that encourage the growth, development, and appreciation of the arts in Missouri. The MAC Trust Fund was established as a holding entity for grants, donations, and other revenue. This will be Sen. Crowell's second term serving on the bipartisan, joint board of trustees.

"Since 2008, I have worked with my fellow members on the MAC board to promote the arts in communities throughout the state," said Sen. Crowell. "The arts provide cultural and educational opportunities in our communities as well as contributing to the economic growth of the area."

Recent arts funding in Southeast Missouri includes grants for the Southeast Missouri Council for the Arts, Southeast Missouri State University theater and dance departments, and the Sikeston Cultural Development Corporation.

To see a complete list of committees and commission on which Sen. Crowell serves, visit www.senate.mo.gov/crowell.