Utah lottery man presumed dead on arrival at Capitol in Salt Lake City
A Utah lawmaker believes a state lottery could help seniors and other residents struggling to pay rising property taxes.
Rep. Kera Birkeland (R-Morgan) plans to introduce legislation soon to create a referendum asking voters to establish a lottery in the Beehive State.
Birkeland told KSL News she heard about the property tax increase from many constituents. According to them, one way to address rising costs is to start a state lottery and use the proceeds to help lower property tax rates.
I interviewed a gentleman whose father was 92 years old and his property tax bill had increased so much that he had to sell his house," Birkeland explained."He paid his dues share. Why was he forced to leave his home to pay these taxes? "
Utah has one of the most restrictive gambling restrictions in the country and is one of the few states without a lottery. The others are Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii and Nevada.Utah is also the only state with no commercial or tribal casinos, iGaming, sports betting, pari-mutuel or non-profit gambling.
Lottery DOA
It's not likely that Utahns will be able to buy lottery tickets in their home state anytime soon. The faith-rich state has rejected all forms of gambling for decades, although state legislation studies show the state loses about $200 million in annual revenue without a lottery.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Utah's main denomination, strongly opposes gambling. About 6 in 10 Utahns are members of a church.
"The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints opposes gambling, including government-sponsored lotteries. Church leaders encourage church members to join others in opposing the legalization and government sponsorship of any form of gambling," the church's website states.
The church considers gambling to be "spiritually destructive" and "motivated by the desire to get something for free." Birkeland said she respects the church's position but is "more concerned about seniors living on fixed incomes."
Winning the support of colleagues on Capitol Hill, however, is a difficult task.
Birkeland's bill seeks to create a referendum asking voters to amend the Utah constitution to allow a state lottery. Any such form of gambling liberalization would require such a path, as the state's governing documents currently prohibit all forms of gambling.
Gov. Spencer Cox (R) has said he opposes any expansion of gambling, including lotteries.
"This is a constitutional amendment, so it doesn't matter what I think," Cox said last month. "The only thing I can say is be a voter like everyone else."
Lottery strongly opposes
Birkeland was criticized for revealing that a bill to launch a lottery referendum was being drafted. She said she won't let that stop her from trying to help the people she represents.
"I know the legislation I enforce doesn't always work for everyone," Birkeland wrote on Facebook. "You can't like it, and you can't like me. But if you want to have a real conversation with me about this, dialogue, I will meet with you at the Capitol to hear your thoughts and share some of mine. Virtually every bill I introduce is at the request of my constituents."
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Source: www.casino.org
