For years now we have been hearing how if we just had riverboat gambling in Pittsburgh, it would save the local economy. If we just get slots it will save the state economy. And all the while, business and industry have been fleeing the state and population growth has stagnated to the point where Pennsylvania is among eight states expected to lose one congressional district after the 2010 census. Gambling revenues are a band-aid, at best.
What Pennsylvanians really need is leadership that understands that long-term prosperity is not tied to gambling, but to industry and manufacturing. These are where the good jobs are...not in casinos and slot parlors. What will be next, legalized houses of prostitution, like in Nevada?
Let's face it, the way Pennsylvania has been run for the past several decades has gotten us where we are now...budget shortfalls, deteriorating infrastructure and declining labor market. What Pennsylvania really needs is lower taxes and reduced government interference to draw business back. We need to provide incentives for manufacturing and high-tech firms that are not just temporary, but permanent. We have seen that the temporary incentives bring temporary business. When the incentives run out, so does the business...right out of the state. With an improved business environment everyone wins; the citizens have a robust labor market, and the state has a growing tax base with increased revenue to the budget. If you don't think it works, take a look at Texas.
So, gambling or no gambling...table games or not...this is not the solution. This is why it is more important than ever to pay attention to your state and local elections. All that money going to Harrisburg, and this is the best idea they've got. Pretty pathetic, if you ask me.
