April 19, 2024
When you imagine a destination resort, what comes to mind? Probably a happy, family-friendly place that is safe for kids, fun activities abound, or a quiet, relaxing atmosphere. Maybe your own memories at Disney© with Mickey Mouse© and your children or grandchildren come to mind, or last year’s trip to Pigeon Forge for family-friendly entertainment.
Now imagine the results of a Georgia “destination resort” where steps from gambling and adult shows are poverty-stricken streets where local businesses have shuttered, adults gamble away grocery money, and trafficking of women and children thrives. (See Gambling Facts)
If legislators want to promote casinos in Georgia, at least be candid and call them casinos!
Last year Georgia Baptists made a difference and told the legislature (view video) that we didn’t want casinos in Georgia and the undesirable effects including negative economic impacts, increased crime, prostitution, gambling, drug addiction, and more.
Unfortunately, the Casino lobby is back in Georgia bigger than ever this year … but this time Senate Bill 79, the “Destination Resort Act”, sponsored by Sen. Brandon Beach has no mention of casinos in the name. The word “casino” may not be there, but it will be impossible to hide the long-term moral, social, and economic impact that will follow. Great summary from Representative Wes Cantrell – Would “Destination Resorts” in Georgia Boost our Economy? Don’t Bet on It!
Status:
Senator Beach’s bill is scheduled for a hearing this Today, Feb. 9 at 1 p.m. in the Senate Regulated Industries Committee. At this moment, it is scheduled for only a hearing. The best opportunity to let your voice be heard is now, to prevent the bill from getting out of committee!
Actions:
#1. Contact YOUR Senator and let them know that you want them to OPPOSE ANY expansion of gambling in our state. Go here to find and contact your senator.
#2. Contact these committee members immediately and let them know that you want them to vote NO on allowing Senate Bill 79 to pass the committee! Please be polite and respectful in communicating your concerns.
Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee Members
Jeffares, Rick, Chairman (R – McDonough)
Phone: 404-463-1376
Email: rick.jeffares@senate.ga.gov
Ginn, Frank (R – Danielsville)
Phone: 404-656-4700
Email: frank.ginn@senate.ga.gov
McKoon, Joshua (R- Columbus)
Phone: 404-463-3931
Email: jrm2016@yahoo.com
Harbison, Ed (D – Columbus)
Phone: 404-656-0074
Email: ed.harbison@senate.ga.gov
Shafer, David (R – Duluth)
Phone: 404-656-0048
Email: david.shafer@senate.ga.gov
Unterman, Renee (R – Buford)
Phone: 404-463-1368
Email: Renee.Unterman@senate.ga.gov
Cowsert, Bill (R – Athens)
Phone: 404-463-1366
Email: bill.cowsert@senate.ga.gov
Gooch, Steve (R – Dahlonega)
Phone: 404-656-9221
Email: steve.gooch@senate.ga.gov
Henson, Steve (D – Stone Mountain)
Phone: 404-656-0085
Email: stevehenson@mindspring.com
Hill, Jack (R – Reidsville)
Phone: 404-656-5038
Email: jack.hill@senate.ga.gov
Kennedy, John (R – Macon)
Phone: 404-656-0045
Email: john.kennedy@senate.ga.gov
Lucas, David (D – Macon)
Phone: 404-656-5035
Email: David.Lucas@senate.ga.gov
Miller, Butch (R – Gainesville)
Phone: 404-656-7454
Email: butch.miller@senate.ga.gov
Mullis, Jeff (R – Chickamauga)
Phone: 404-656-0057
Email: jeff.mullis@senate.ga.gov
