Maryland gambling enterprises were authorized by voters in 2008 on the grounds that the generated tax income from legalizing commercial gambling would be mainly utilized to fund training programs. But that promise, according to state Comptroller Peter Franchot (D), isn’t being kept.
Fifty-eight percent of voters supported the ballot referendum in 2008 to amend hawaii’s constitution and legalize slot machines at five independently owned gaming venues. a referendum that is further in 2012 to incorporate a sixth facility, and invite table games at the casinos.
State Comptroller Peter Franchot says income tax revenue stemming from Maryland casinos isn’t being earmarked whilst the voter-approved 2008 referendum that is constitutional.
The ’08 amendment posed to residents explained a vote of support ‘authorizes hawaii to issue up to five movie lottery licenses for the primary purpose of raising revenue for education of children in public schools, prekindergarten through grade 12, public school construction and improvements, and construction of capital projects at community colleges and higher training institutions.’
But approaching nine years since Marylanders backed gambling, Franchot claims the scheme ‘was basically a lie.’
‘It was a crass, cynical effort to dupe people,’ Franchot told Baltimore’s FOX affiliate this week. As comptroller, Franchot is Maryland’s chief financial officer and in charge of gath