During Senate debate over budget balancing measures for the current year, Sen. Mark Scheffel blocked an effort to nearly drain the Limited Gaming Impact Fund. As part of the negotiation, Scheffel also secured the immediate release of $5.1 million of gaming impact funds that had been sequestered.
Local governments use gaming impact revenues to offset the effects of gaming related activities, like higher crime. The City of Victor, for example, uses the funds to support three police officers, street maintenance and repairs for emergency vehicles.
“This measure will ensure local governments have the ability to address the impacts of gaming in their communities,” Scheffel said.
Instead of draining the Limited Gaming Impact Fund, Scheffel was able to negotiate a deal where only $2 million would be used to balance the budget. The remaining money—about $4 million--will be left for grants to local communities.
Scheffel's proposal, which was offered as an amendment to a budget balancing bill, received broad bipartisan support.
"Counties really rely on this money to provide public services to their communities, and it is vital this fund remain intact,” Scheffel said.