One of the most contentious issues being debated in Maryland, has been the issue of slot machines. The previous governor, Erlich, tried to get them but was thwarted by the democratic legislature. Now, our current governor and former mayor O'Malley is trying to resurrect the issue. The Sun has several articles worth reading on the subject.
The main goal of the slot proposal by the governor is twofold. First, shore up $555 million of $1.7 billion dollar budget shortfall. Second, to protect the horse racing industry here in Maryland. The government's argument being, too many people are running to PA ad WV with their gambling dollars, and they leave the local tracks high and dry.
The opposition, which includes the state comptroller has said slots would only be the begining and "slots in a neighborhood near you" would be right around the corner. But, as I see it, if the state budget is going to have such a massive deficit, why not try to recoup some of the money being lost outside of the state? That way the lawmakers won't have to make the cuts in the essential services such as health care, education, etc.
But, in the end it is the age old fight of vice versus virtue. I can see that with gambling comes addiction and crime . O'Malley has proposed a set aside to fund treatment of the by products of gambling.
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