The LuLac Edition #2974, June 27th, 2015

SLOTS AT THE AIRPORTS 

(Photo: islotmachines.com)

 

 Okay now things are getting ridiculous. A State Representative from Western Pennsylvania, Nick Kotik, wants to get slot machines into the six international airports in the state of Pennsylvania. Philadelphia International Airport, Lehigh Valley International Airport, Harrisburg International Airport, Erie International Airport and Pittsburgh International Airport as well as little ole AVP can join up with their local casinos and put one armed bandits in the airport. The thinking is people will gamble there while they wait for their flights.

Seriously?

I was for Casino gambling. I think any gambling, done in a responsible manner can add revenue dollars to the Commonwealth. But when that revenue is diverted to rich business people looking for handouts to “create jobs”, gambling money shouldn’t be used for that. It should be used for letting your friendly State Representative go out and write a check for Community Development. It should be used for what it was intended. PROPERTY TAX RELIEF!!!!!

The proposal would put money back into the airports to improve the infrastructure in those locations. I wish there would be a State Representative that would ask where the hell is the property tax reform and where is the relief?

ON SECOND ANNIVERSARY OF SHELBY COUNTY V. HOLDER, REP. CARTWRIGHT REINTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO MAKE THE RIGHT TO VOTE ACCESSIBLE FOR ALL

Congressman Matt Cartwright. (Photo: LuLac archives).

Two years ago this week the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Shelby County v. Holder essentially gutted voting rights protections. On this anniversary, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright has renewed his commitment to ensuring all Americans enjoy access to the ballot box by reintroducing the Time Off to Vote Act with the support of 25 colleagues.

The legislation would require employers to grant their workers at least two hours of paid leave to vote in federal elections. Such a provision already exists in 24 states, and this bill would act to ensure that citizens everywhere have a voice in their government, regardless of where they happen to work.

“At a time when some states are actually going out of their way to attempt to make it more difficult for Americans to vote, we must understand that the right to vote is essential to our democracy,” said Rep. Cartwright. “While the days of poll taxes and literacy tests are behind us, impediments to voting still remain.”

Employers in 26 states are not required to give their workers paid leave to vote. In 19 states, employers are not required to let their employees leave work to vote at all. In this environment, employees can be actively prohibited by their employers from leaving work to vote, and many others choose not to attend the polls because they simply cannot afford the 1-3 hours of unpaid time that voting often requires. For example, an individual working a 40-hour job at minimum wage would forgo 5% of their weekly salary if they take off two hours to vote.

“We can no longer afford laws that push people out of the electorate. For the United States to be a true democracy, every eligible American must be able to cast a ballot without suffering a burdensome economic sacrifice,” said Rep. Cartwright. “Voting should not be a luxury that only the well-off can afford.”

The legislation has received the support of Common Cause, the NAACP, and Project Vote.