Gaming money is too easy, says Rep. Paul Gardner

by T.W. Budig
ECM Capitol Reporter

Some lawmakers — Rep. Tom Hackbarth, R-Cedar, for instance — look to the expansion of gaming as a means for the state to capture extra dollars in tough economic times.

But Rep. Paul Gardner, DFL-Shoreview, believes the easiest ways of bringing in state revenue aren’t always the best.

“Personally my issue with gaming is the money is too easy,” said Gardner recently.

“Raising money for government should be hard,” he said.

Lawmakers should have to stand before voters and justify taxes increases, he explained.

“With gaming you allow government to grow without any accountability,” he argued.

“I don’t know if that’s a good idea,” Gardner said.

Gardner indicated he had no inkling whether gaming would be a big issue when lawmakers return to the Capitol in February.

“Who knows,” he said.

“I would say there’s a general distaste for gaming,” said Gardner.