LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A bill that would allow voters to approve a constitutional amendment authorizing up to five casinos at racetracks and two standalone locations has cleared a hurdle Wednesday.
The proposal to legalize casinos was approved by the Senate State and Local Government Committee Wednesday afternoon.
Wednesday's vote came after Republican state Sen. Damon Thayer of Georgetown proposed a change that no longer requires up to five of the proposed casinos to be built at horse tracks.
The new language allows up to seven casinos in the state with no guarantee that they would be built at horse tracks.
Gov. Steve Beshear personally appealed to members of the Senate committee to approve the proposal for the constitutional amendment to allow casinos.
Following Wednesday's vote, Beshear tweeted: "Passing SB151 out of committee is a significant step & shows these Senators are listening to Kentuckians' desire to vote on gaming."
If the constitutional amendment is approved by the General Assembly, it would be placed on the November ballot for voters to ratify or reject.
Proponents say the money from gaming would go to education, creating jobs, human services, health care, veterans programs, local governments, public safety, and supporting the horse industry.
On Tuesday, several Catholic bishops sent letters opposing the bill, citing concerns about the effects of gambling on the poor and on families.
The committee hearing was -- at times -- filled with emotion from people on both sides of the issue.
"Our people are so addicted to oxycontin. Our people are so addicted to meth…why in the name of our good Lord would we think that bringing in casinos would be a help to our Kentuckians?" asked Sen. Robin L. Webb, who voted against the proposal.
Sen. Tom Jensen noted that proponents of casino gaming often point to "a whole Christmas tree list of things it's going to do," but never follow through with their promises.
"I'm gonna tell you: this isn't enough money," he said.
On the other hand, Sen. Walter Blevins, Jr. challenged those who say profiting from casino gaming proceeds is a form of "irrational greed."
"People go on their own – nobody drags you to a casino," he said.
Sen. Thaylor said it isn't about senators mandating what the people should do, but allowing them to decide on their own.
"I have been nothing but consistent for nine years about this issue," he said. "I trust the people...I am not afraid of their vote."
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