Nebraska state Senator Russ Karpisek recently proposed placing on the November ballot a constitutional amendment that would allow voters to decide if they want casino gambling in the state. Similar measures have been rejected by legislators in recent years, and voters also have rejected two proposals on the 2004 ballot. Gambling proponents have said Nebraska is losing revenue to Iowa and South Dakota where casino gambling is legal.
Karpisek’s proposal would use gambling tax revenue as follows: 50 percent to reduce property taxes, 25 percent to public schools, 12 percent to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, 12 percent to state water projects and 1 percent to a state program for problem gamblers.
