In Indiana, the three Vigo County commissioners unanimously approved a resolution supporting a casino in Terre Haute. The resolution states the community “would benefit through an injection of jobs and employment benefits” and the region “would benefit from the unique opportunity to enjoy new flows of tourism associated with a dynamic destination venue,” plus casino tax revenue would have a “direct positive budget impact.”
The resolution also stated, “We encourage thoughtful and expeditious action on the part of Governor Eric Holcomb and the General Assembly to adopt this proposed legislation.”
Commissioner Jon Marvel said, “The three of us believe it will be a good revenue stream for many years to come.”
The action came in response to legislation authored by state Senator Jon Ford of Terre Haute that would allow Rising Star Resort and Casino in Rising Sun to move up to half of its slots and other games to a new casino-hotel in Terre Haute. “This project would provide much-needed tax revenue, economic activity and jobs for Terre Haute and the Wabash Valley,” Ford said.
However, at a recent legislative meeting with Ford and other lawmakers, Terre Haute resident Jeanne Rewa asked attendees to raise their hands if they oppose the proposed casino. Most people raised their hands. “The new American casinos are associated with a range of negative health, economic, political, intellectual and social outcomes,” Rewa said.
