TOGETHER WE CAN PROTECT MISSOURI’S FUTURE
Missourians overwhelmingly stand behind our children and veterans. By enacting common-sense legislation
(HB 970- Hardwick) to legalize, regulate, and tax video lottery machines, we can generate hundreds of millions of dollars in new revenue to provide our children with top-tier educational opportunities while ensuring our veterans receive the resources and support they deserve.
What
you
need
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Missouri is approaching a challenging fiscal crossroads as federal COVID relief funds that bolstered the state budget are rapidly running out. Without identifying new revenue sources, the state could face tough decisions that may result in cuts to critical services like education, healthcare, and support for veterans. Legalizing, regulating, and taxing video lottery terminals (VLTs) presents a significant opportunity to generate hundreds of millions of dollars in sustainable new revenue for Missouri.
By embracing this solution, the state can protect essential programs and ensure a stable financial future without burdening taxpayers.
NEW SUSTAINED REVENUE
The passage of this bill would establish a new sustained revenue source by legalizing, regulating, and taxing video lottery terminals (VLTs), generating hundreds of millions of dollars annually. This steady stream of funding would provide critical financial support for essential programs like education and veterans’ services, benefiting communities across Missouri.
REDUCING NUMBER OF GAMES
The passage of this bill would reduce the number of gaming machines in Missouri in two ways: first, it would phase out and eventually prohibit the operation of No Chance Game Machines and second, as part of the regulation of VLTs, it would cap the number of machines per licensed retail location. By establishing clear rules and oversight, the legislation would create a controlled and responsible gaming environment, benefiting communities and ensuring compliance
EMBRACING THE FREE MARKET
The passage of this bill embraces free-market principles by empowering local business owners and communities to make decisions about hosting video lottery terminals based on their unique needs and interests. By allowing businesses to compete fairly within a regulated framework, the legislation supports economic growth and community-driven solutions.
Protect Missouri’s Future
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Video Lottery Terminal?
A video lottery terminal is an electronic gaming device that uses a random number generator to generate and produce an independent and random outcome for each play of a lottery game. Players can play lottery-style games, such as video poker or slots, on a VLT, in a regulated and controlled environment.
How would regulating VLTs help Missouri kids and veterans?
Regulating video lottery terminals (VLTs) would generate hundreds of millions of dollars in new, sustained revenue for Missouri. This funding could be directed toward improving education for children and providing critical resources and support for veterans. By legalizing and overseeing VLTs, the state can ensure these funds are collected transparently and used to benefit those who need it most. Critically, all funds that would be raised as a result of passage of House Bill 970, would be used to supplement, not supplant, already existing funding for education and veterans.
Does Missouri have a budget problem ?
Missouri’s budget has been stable in recent years, thanks in part to federal COVID relief funds that provided a temporary financial boost. However, as that federal funding dries up, many states are beginning to face budget deficits, and Missouri is likely heading toward similar challenges in the coming years. Without new revenue sources, the state could struggle to maintain funding for critical services like education, healthcare, and support for veterans.
Is education underfunded in Missouri?
Education funding in Missouri has not kept pace with the growing needs of students, as spending per student has remained relatively flat over the past decade when adjusted for inflation. Missouri also ranks near the bottom nationally in teacher pay, making it difficult to attract and retain high-quality educators. Addressing these issues requires a commitment to increased investment in schools and teachers to ensure every student has access to a quality education.
What veteran programs could be supported by regulating VLTs in Missouri?
Regulating VLTs in Missouri could generate significant revenue to fund essential programs for veterans, such as healthcare, mental health services, housing assistance, and job training initiatives. These funds could also support veterans’ service organizations and community outreach programs that address the unique challenges veterans face. By creating a dedicated revenue stream, Missouri can better honor its commitment to those who have served our country.
Will legalization and regulation introduce age restrictions?
Legalizing and regulating VLTs will establish clear age restrictions to ensure responsible use of gaming machines. Regulation provides a controlled environment with safeguards to protect minors and enforce compliance with state laws. By implementing these measures, Missouri can create a safer and more accountable system for gaming.
protecting missouri’s future means
standing for our kids and veterans.
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