A bill which would put a freeze on gambling expansion in the state failed towin Senate approval yesterday. The bill stalled on a 24 to 24 vote. Senator Andy Mc-Kean, a republican from Anamosa, is a gambling opponent whosaid it is the “height of cynacism” to call the bill a gambling moratorium.The bill also would end the escalation of gambling taxes paid by the threestate race track casinoes. Presently, Prairie Meadows, Bluffs Run andDubuque pay 26 percent tax to the state, and it’s scheduled to rise to 36percent within five years. Senator Mike Connolly, a democrat from Dubuque,said keeping the tax rate at 26 percent will “save” the Dubuque track.Senator Matt Mc-Coy, a democrat from Des Moines, said the bill would helpstabilize Iowa’s existing gambling industry.Yesterday’s defeat of the bill may be reversed next week when supporter TomFlynn of Dubuque returns to the Senate. He was absent yesterday.
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