This week, NFA Policy Director Nate Grasz testified against LR 294 CA, a proposed Constitutional Amendment that, if passed would put expanded gambling on the ballot during the next election. Voters would have the opportunity to amend the Nebraska Constitution to give state legislators the power to authorize any game of chance. NFA opposes LR 294 CA.

Currently, an initiative to expand gambling in Nebraska to include games of chance such as slot machines requires a vote by the people. However, If LR 294 CA is adopted by the Legislature, and approved by voters, it would give the power to expand gambling directly to the Legislature. This is an irresponsible growth of the legislature’s power over gaming.

The facts about state-sanctioned gambling show that taxpayers end up paying higher taxes and states are left with worse budget problems in the long term. Since casinos opened, Council Bluffs has raised taxes at least 4 times, including raising property taxes three times.

Nebraskans have consistently rejected casino gambling, even as recently as 2016 when a ballot initiative failed to procure enough signatures. LR 294 CA is not about giving people another vote on expanded gambling. It’s about taking their vote away.

Nebraska Family Alliance
Nebraska Family Alliance exists to advance family, freedom and life by influencing policy, mobilizing prayer, and empowering people.
Nebraska Family Alliance

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