By Kert Mitchell
In case you haven’t heard the details of the Kentucky budget proposed by Governor Steve Beshear, here’s a summary of the pertinent information: legalize video slots in Kentucky, put more money in primary education and cut funding to higher education.
I heard about the proposed budget about a month ago and, at first glance, I was very much on board. All I knew was that Beshear wanted to legalize video gambling and use the proceeds for education. They say the truth is a harsh mistress. After I discovered that the budget actually proposed cutting higher education funding, I’d have to say I agree. Naturally, I found myself no longer agreeing with the governor. Oddly enough though, I was a little disappointed when the budget proposition got shot down.
Why was I disappointed? Because a small fortune is being shipped to Indiana on a daily basis. Literally tens of millions of dollars are rushing out of Kentucky pockets and into Indiana casinos. This money could have been factored into our budget to combat the $1.2 billion budget shortfall that we’re currently experiencing. It’s frustrating to know that the money that’s currently being gambled away by Kentuckians is being used to fund Indiana schools, repair Indiana roads, etc. Meanwhile, we’re unable to balance our books here. The double standard exhibited by the state government is ridiculous. We can gamble at Churchill Downs, but not at a casino? I wish someone would explain to me how this flawed logic is supposed to make sense to any sane person.
I should explain what a reduction in funding would mean to students like us. It doesn’t take a brain surgeon to realize that if a university is receiving less funding from the state, then that funding deficit will be passed on to the students. That means tuition hikes, more expensive meal plans and increased parking fees. I couldn’t even fault a university that would have to do any of these things. After all, the lights need to stay on and the faculty needs to be paid.
Having read my grievances, you probably want to know where the bill currently stands. As of Feb. 28, Speaker of the House Greg Stumbo announced that measures were being taken to combat the proposed budget and that the House will be able to block some, if not all, of the proposed cuts. Their proposition is to accept more federal stimulus dollars instead of expanding gambling. It doesn’t seem like this will fully address the budget issues. Rather, it’s more likely to just offset them for a few more years. In 2012, the tentative year for the next budget meeting, I can imagine a similar budget being proposed and the same excuses for budget shortfalls being passed around.
It’s time for Kentucky to join the rest of the nation, dropping whatever absurd, preconceived notions we have about the evils of gambling. The simple fact is that we, as a state, are funneling incredible amounts of money across our borders. If you want that to change or want to make sure you don’t have a huge tuition increase, then stand up and make your voice heard. Visit governor.ky.gov/contact.htm and let the governor know what you think.
Kert is a sophomore undecided major. E-mail him at opinion@louisvillecardinal.com
