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Hacker Opposes Approval of Constitutional Amendment to Allow Casino – October 6, 2006

 Scott Hacker, Republican candidate for State Senate District 7 which covers parts of the City of Providence and the Town of North Providence announced his opposition to the question on the November 7, 2006 ballot to approve an amendment to the RI Constitution to allow a casino to be built by Harrah’s in association with the Narragansett Indian Tribe.

“This was a bad idea from the beginning to bring a large private developer into the smallest state RI to open a gambling facility that despite the  revenues it may bring in, will increase crime, addictive gambling and create  few high wage jobs- which is  that  RI really needs, “ Hacker said. 

“The proponents who mention that there will be significant property tax relief with the revenues generated are also living in fantasy,” Hacker added.

The only permanent way to provide tax relief—is to continue to reduce the tax burden on RI’s citizens.  Hacker’s campaign sited a report by Larry Kudlow CNBC Commentator and former Chief Economist at Bear Stearns that over the past 11 quarters, dating back to June 2003, America’s economy has grown by 20%, the result of the tax cuts passed at the federal level.

“RI can only dream of such economic growth,” Hacker said.  “Instead of the elusive nature of pursuing a casino who’s true owner is now in doubt with the proposed private-equity buyout of Harrah’s, and any economic return really doubtful to RI we should be pursuing true ways of increasing the growth of the RI economy by reducing taxes, regulation, and  looking for partners in the private sector to overcome union dominance of the state government.” Hacker added.