Another Take On Expanded Gambling And The Free Market
Michael Maharrey of the Lexington Liberty Examiner writes of gambling proposals, and our government's penchant for picking economic winners and losers:
The current gambling proposals reveal a deeply imbedded mentality permeating politics - the belief that government should choose economic winners and losers. And industries spend lavishly to influence these decisions. Kentucky horse tracks have spent over $290,000 on lobbying efforts in 2009, according to the most recent Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission reports. The Keeneland association leads the way dolling out $106,645 to lobbyists so far this year.
Rep. Ben Chandler (D-Versailles) weighed in on the gambling issue in a recent op-ed piece published in the Herald-Leader and the Woodford Sun. His thinking illustrates this tendency to favor one constituency over another. Chandler calls horse racing one of Kentucky's "signature industries" and sees it as government's role to protect it.
"There are a number of forces at work, but the lack of gaming options in our state is crippling Kentucky's horse industry. Race tracks that allow casino gaming in other states have been able to provide bigger purses, giving owners and trainers bigger incentives to race in these states."
The Thoroughbred industry undoubtedly contributes mightily to the state. It generates billions of dollars, provides employment for thousands of Kentuckians and as Chandler puts it, "helps define Kentucky's 'brand'."
The industry also contributes to Chandler's reelection fund. The National Thoroughbred Racing Association Political Action Committee gave $5,000 to the Sixth District congressman's campaign on May 7, 2009, according to the federal financial disclosure reports issued in October.
So, do these industries really deserve special treatment? Are Kentuckians working in these businesses more important than those working in the coal industry, the grocery business, or in any one of the thousands of other enterprises that make up the economy of this state? Wouldn't motels benefit from slot machines in their foyers? What about restaurants or movie theaters?
Government certainly has a role to play in creating a positive economic environment, but policies should benefit of all Kentuckians, not just select industries or constituencies chosen based on political factors and campaign contributions. Government oversteps its bounds when it begins to choose economic winners and losers.
