Oregon Heads to Polls on Measure 75
Friday, November 5th, 2010Measure 75 is the new move up for debate in Oregon. The state’s voters are going to visit the polls and tell their opinions on the issue so there will be no doubt where the majority stands. Measure 75 is a casino gaming proposition that has been included in the ballot. This is a sign of how important gambling is these days. Not only are companies and legislators fighting it out, but the people’s collective opinions are being rallied to add support to whatever side is stronger. Informal studies showed that voters were on the side of legalizing gambling because of two reasons: money and jobs. They are concerned about money because the government needs it. Traditionally when a government needs money they raise taxes. Voters don’t want added tax strains to deal with. They want to stay at the level of tax they are now, or even bring it down. The hope is that if casinos open, that could possibly substitute for a heftier tax law that would strain residents. The other big asset to bringing in casino gambling is jobs. There are still millions of people without jobs in the market. They know that to reinvigorate their own budgets, they need to find more available employers. A big name casino built in the area could be the answer. These are the two most convincing part of deciding to vote yes on Measure 75. It is estimated that if a casino was allowed it would bring in $150 million to the state every year and create over 5,000 new jobs for the local residents.
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Of course there is another side. There are still opponents to the proposition. They are citing that bringing casino gambling to the state would bring in crime and that alone is too big a problem to take a chance at. The entire argument over the issue is centered on the Multnomah Kennel Club location. Of course the facility right now is abandoned and empty, but it would take only a good gaming company to come in and revamp that. Whether or not they get the chance has yet to be seen.

