Gambling revenue might cut pain
Senator Ford says he was unaware of Webb Center's loss of state funding
By Prentiss Findlay
Legalizing video poker and other gambling could bring the state new tax revenue to fund such programs as the Charles Webb Center that are being axed because of the budget crisis, state Sen. Robert Ford said Monday.
State Sen. Robert Ford
Ford, a Charleston Democrat whose district includes the Webb Center, said he was unaware that the state Department of Disabilities and Special Needs cut $150,000 for the center, scheduled to close at the end of December.
"I cannot imagine them not telling the Charleston (legislative) delegation that they were going to do that. I did not know about it. That's where the insult comes in," Ford said. He said he would contact Stan Butkus, the department director, to find out why he was not notified that the center would lose state funding.
Butkus could not be reached Monday.
Ford said video poker and other gambling could raise $700 million in new tax revenue for a state struggling to pay its bills. "Now, everybody's suffering," he said.
The General Assembly voted a $21 million, 11 percent budget reduction for the department, which cut the Webb Center and four other programs statewide that provide day care for children with disorders ranging from mental retardation to autism.
To help
MAIL TAX-DEDUCTIBLE DONATIONS TO:
Disability Foundation of Charleston County
P.O. Box 22708
Charleston, SC 29413
OR CALL: Dorothy White at 805-5800 ext. 208
The center provides day care for 30 children from infants to age 10. Its more than $300,000 budget is a combination of state, federal and private pay funds. Officials said that without the state funds, the center cannot operate.
The parents learned Nov. 13 that the center would close at the end of December. They organized a petition drive and are contacting legislators and the department. They want to buy more time to come up with alternatives because they said that other day care centers won't take their kids.
"We're doing our best. It's kind of new. I've never been involved in anything like this," parent Mindy Miller of Ravenel said.
Miller and other parents have said that the center closing would affect their ability to earn a living if they have to stay home to provide the specialized care available only at the Webb Center.
Previous stories
Webb Center falls to budget cuts to keep Coastal Center open, published 11/22/08
Parents seek way to keep center open, published 11/21/08
"We're working hard on our part. I think it's basically going to boil down to donations. We're not even being given a chance to reorganize," Miller said.
The state also has cut funding for care centers for children with disabilities in Barnwell, Darlington, Greenville and Anderson. "We were all in shock," said Karen Burgan, who directs the Anderson program.
Parents of the 22 children at the Anderson program have a $21,000 savings account previously established for the center that will be used to keep it going for a while after state funding ends Jan. 1. And the center recently received approval for a $33,000 grant, Burgan said. Combined, the monies should keep the Anderson program running for another five months, she said. "We're hoping that's going to buy us enough time to find permanent funding," she said.
Statewide, 3,000 clients are losing department services because of budget cuts, and 250 department positions are being eliminated, officials said.
Charleston County Legislative Delegation Chairman Chip Limehouse said, "We're in a very difficult situation. My heart goes out to these folks and their children. Budget cuts are terrible things.
"We're in a tough situation all the way around," the Charleston Republican said.
Reach Prentiss Findlay at 937-5711 or pfindlay@postandcourier.com.
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zoomru (anonymous) says...
SC Senator Robert Ford.......
YOU should get in the FACE of someone at DHEC. Do you know we have 3.5 Million TONS of trash going into Landfills in this STATE!! Well....Sir, do You??? How much tax Revenue would that generate if it was PLASMA-fied using the machine from www.startech.net ...think about that? These machines would close Landfills and we would NOT need DHEC people going around to Monitor the wells til kingdom COME !!
Watch this video ...
http://laskyfilms.com/startech/movies...
Not only would this CLOSE down landfills it would create MORE recycling jobs. How much would all the land be worth if those landfills were cleaned UP and then Developed ???
You need to look into the backslappin' between DHEC "Brass" and Waste Management CEO and Board Members. Do you realize that a V.P of Waste Management is on the board of Wildlife Habitat that gives them AWARDS ??? This is UNETHICAL Mr. FORD !!! Do you have a South Carolina Driver's Lic. Mr. FORD ?? Well ...that means your a double whammy. You are a Democrat and a state citizen. Aren't Democrats supposed to be for the Environment ??? I highly suggest you do a little due diligence and look into the permitting of a LANDFILL in Cherokee County that Waste Management is trying to get permitted without informing the citizens of the Plasma Technology that is available !! Especially since DHEC just got exposed in the STATE paper this last week !!!
Stand UP ......Mr. Robert Ford !! Bees Ferry Runs a 4 MILLION dollar deficit a year. Just ask the New SC REP TIM SCOTT !!! He KNOWS about the deficit. He also knows about the PLASMA Technology along with Mr. Bostick and Colleen Condon and the rest of the Council because I TOLD THEM.
November 25, 2008 at 2:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
zoomru (anonymous) says...
Mr Ford......?? Now that I have pondered further; I think I would try to get card games legalized for the HOME ...first !! At least Richard Todd would NOT then hammer you so..??
If people want to GAMBLE .....let them PLAY the education Lottery. We do NOT need Casinos! If you want to generate jobs, you need to call the officials at www.valcent.net and talk about the ALGAE Bio-diesel FARMS they have and get OUR farmers here who are being subsidized to start growing Algae Bio-diesel!!
Watch This....
http://cc.pubco.net/www.valcent.net/i...
How much is the public transit budget in our state a year? School Buses, Public transit buses, shrimp boats, SC-DOT equipment....Good LORD !! How much money leaves this state and goeS to Hugo ChaVEZ AND Ahab the Arab !!
Mr. Ford ...your NO dummy !!! You need to think ENERGY...all forms !!!
You do know that BMW is going to start building what kind of engine ??? Why don't you start thinking of the fuel for it !!!
I'm sure 150K could be raised just in the appreciation of FARM LAND ...ALONE !!!!
What would BEES Ferry be worth if it was DUG up, PLASMA-FIED and the refilled with clean SOIL and then ...DEVELOPED !!!
How Big is BEES FERRY 140 acres....300 acres??? How much is land per acre?? What about the homes around BEES FERRY that would appreciate ??
Lets GO.....ROBERT !!!
November 25, 2008 at 2:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
zoomru (anonymous) says...
Chip Limehouse...........
Hmm.....Limehouse..??? YOU FARMER ...YOU !!!
Would you watch this video.........
http://cc.pubco.net/www.valcent.net/i...
Here you are cutting funding instead of searching for tax REVENUE !!!
Uh..oh !!!
How much does it MAKE you MAD that you pay CHAVEZ every time you put diesel in your tractor ???! WE WANT TO KNOW ????
How long has your family been here?? Would your grandDAD be ticked if he knew that you knew of an AMERICAN Farmer who grows Bio-Diesel and you did NOT offer him the ability to SELL you his crop???
Chip....I know you can do better !!!!
Are you going to WAIT for someone from DC to tell you it is OK to buy from an AMERICAN FARMER ???
....are you going to wait for the DHEC "Brass" !!! LOL !!!
Chip.....your no dummy either....get busy !!!
November 25, 2008 at 2:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
moonpie (anonymous) says...
well glad to see "zoom" is up this am! Man you wake up like this?!
Hey SC can't have it both ways. You voted to let the cash cow known as video poker leave years ago and now you want it back? Well I hope these owners tell you to pound sand but they're as greedy as you are and would come back to SC in a skinny minute.
Nice suit senator Ford! Guess that one survived?
November 25, 2008 at 5:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
karmann (anonymous) says...
This is the second time that it has been reported that Mr. Ford was "unaware" of how budget cuts will/have affected various agencies.
November 25, 2008 at 6:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
theronce (anonymous) says...
The only reason video poker is out is that the state did not think that it was getting its proper cut. Retrofitting to assure that they would was not done for some reason. Anyway, the state could bring them back with tighter controls, and all would be happy except some of the poor dummies that overdo it on the machines.
November 25, 2008 at 7:15 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
zoomru (anonymous) says...
David Slade......
Mr HArvey Peeler and Bob Peeler are RELATED.....this is UNETHICAL !! Bob Peeler Represents Waste Managemet and the people of Gaffney are being kept in the DARK about Plasma machines that make Landfills ...Obsolete!!!
This is grounds for a CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT !!!
November 25, 2008 at 8:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
geekboy (anonymous) says...
Posted by zoomru on November 25, 2008 at 8:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
David Slade......
------------------------------------------------
Uh, why are you megaposting to people who aren't here, and are not likely to ever read what you write?
Wouldn't it be more appropriate for you to take your complaints to them in the real world instead of taking up space here with your numerous, rambling posts?
November 25, 2008 at 8:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eyfigueroa (anonymous) says...
I just find the selective morality of South Carolina's electorate and legislature particularly interesting.
November 25, 2008 at 8:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
FrankCastle (anonymous) says...
I am just tired of reading zoom's ramblings about landfill things in every article. Stay on topic or stay off the internet.
November 25, 2008 at 8:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SpiderJohn (anonymous) says...
Charles Webb Center is a much needed resource. What are those parents going to do?
Once again SC cuts funding for the MOST NEEDY.
Where can I find a line by line copy of the SC budget?
They don't seem to be able to make sensible cuts in Columbia, I'd be happy to show them how to work a proper budget.
Revenue for video poker is much needed. And yes there will be some individuals that will over do it, but they are probably playing the lottery anyway.
November 25, 2008 at 9:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dawhetsell (anonymous) says...
They kept spending on new programs and was warned last year this was going to happen. The Legislators are the one's to blame. We are reaping what THEY sowed. You didn't vote them out so you are going to keep getting the same old incompetent Legislators. I guess when they tax you into the poorhouse you may want to vote them out. They are not the fools, the majority of the voters are.
November 25, 2008 at 9:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eatmorecollards (anonymous) says...
Video gambling, "please" the state is robing the poor well enough already with the lottery. License a few high end casinos and rob people that are more able to aford it.
November 25, 2008 at 9:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
beefsaver (anonymous) says...
Zoomru, what is with that tabloid-style, over-posted, over-capitalized shouting that you're doing? We all get it: you like the idea of waste-to-energy. DHEC has fallen asleep at the switch. Stop flooding the boards and take your message to town councils, your rep's inbox. Your good message is being dulled and ignored because you're nagging us.
Isn't this article about budget cuts and the possibility of re-introducing video poker? Oh, yeah... it is. I seem to recall those machines going away back in 2000. If they were a blight on the populace, basically an even baser version of the "stupid tax," then why are we bringing them back? Has there been a measurable reduction in the ills attributable to those machines?
Feel free to legalize whatever suits your conscience... if the stupid shall be punished at least society will see some good from it. The Education Lottery is a good example of that. I'd just like to see a little more acknowledgment of the significant change of heart from earlier this decade.
November 25, 2008 at 10:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
UrGatorbait (anonymous) says...
Gambling...a tax on people not good at math or very educated...perfect for this state.
Then you have to ask why they don't raise the cig tax and what about the current lottery money? People get what they deserve and this state leads the way in mediocrity.
November 25, 2008 at 10:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
KidYendor (anonymous) says...
Pinball machines and video poker used to be only in dark honky tonks and such. 8 poker machines per honky tonk max but payoffs on pinball and video poker were still hush hush. Revenuers started to complain (the b word) so the legislators made it officially legal with 5 machines per licensed room/building. Hence problems resulted as this allowed mini-casinos to be created. Video poker was then soon completely outlawed in summer 2000. This government tinkering cut billions in state revenue, private sector jobs and trickle down business. What was the sales tax then, 4 or 5 cents? Now before your hospitality tax you pay 8 cents sales tax and lets be sure to mention all the agency budget cuts. I hope dastardly SC Revenue Dept. agents are cut from their jobs since there is less money to count. Their relentless mounds of paperwork and silly regulations drive small business people insane.
November 25, 2008 at 11:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Missing_Home (anonymous) says...
"If people want to GAMBLE .....let them PLAY the education Lottery"
Some people like watching the card games or just sitting in a parlor playing video gambling. PArt of the reason the state is in the fix it is now is they took away video gambling.
Mississippi Has the lottery and Casinos!!!!! What a concept.
November 25, 2008 at 12:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
elcid81 (anonymous) says...
Let's see here - $300,000 to watch 30 kids is $10,000 a year. At tax payer expense, this doesn't seem efficient. I understand that this program is needed, but what about put out bids for contracts on managing this facility. Look at other programs that are resourced by the sole source, non competitive bidding process. I bet you can find at least $300,000. It is time to be smart with resources before caving in to more corruption (gambling).
November 25, 2008 at 12:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
berthelot (anonymous) says...
Correct me if I am wrong, but wasn't a big part of the video poker problem the fact that you could place a machine anywhere and everywhere? I have no problem with people being stupid enough to feed their paychecks into a rigged computer game, just make them build a video casino to do it it. The gas station is not the place for it. For that matter, I get frustrated every time I walk into a gas station for a bottle of water and end up in line behind three people picking lotto numbers like they are at the Keno table in Atlantic City. Lets make gambling legal in licensed casinos and the State will rake in the cash. Just get stay of my way at the gas station.
November 25, 2008 at 1:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
yird (anonymous) says...
I don't know how much money the lottery has extracted from the optimistic participants but it doesn't appear that we are producing a measurable quantity of scholars in the public school system.
Couldn't possibly be because it's a government run system, could it?
A system dominated by the NEA and people who think huge sprawling schools equipped with expensive amenities is some how going to produce better educated students.
Wait till Obama's union buddies get control of the construction trades and the cost of building these mini Taj Mahals doubles.
What will property taxes look like then?
November 25, 2008 at 1:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
diablo_tonto (anonymous) says...
Usually don't think of Robert Ford when it comes to conjuring up intellectual brainstorms, but bringing the friggin machines back makes sense. They honestly shouldn't have gone anywhere to begin with? For an economy that is teetering on implosion, even the "Far Right Loons" shouldn't have much of a beef w/this one?? Don't clog up the local filling stations w/the machines as one person has already suggested, but have the casinos(video poker halls) on and off shore if possible(plausible)? Common sense economics needs to kick in here, not pulpit economy 101....
November 25, 2008 at 2 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
onesidedsquare (anonymous) says...
what flag is that on his lapel?
November 25, 2008 at 2:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ColdBud (anonymous) says...
Last week, when the article was done on the Webb Center closing, I asked a question that still hasn't been answered: How much does it cost a parent (weekly, monthly or whatever) to place a child in this day care center?
November 25, 2008 at 3:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
UrGatorbait (anonymous) says...
His lapel pin appears to be a Black power flag...great
November 25, 2008 at 4:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
corolla (anonymous) says...
Recently, several people died in a bus accident on their way from South Carolina to Las Vegas to gamble. Eight years ago, video poker was legal and the state was doing fine. People are still gambling, whether it be through the internet, on a boat, or traveling out of state. South Carolina is just not profiting from it. Our loss. What is a monopoly? The state outlawed video poker and then brought in Scratch Off tickets and Power Ball. Is it only ethical if gambling is run by the state? Lastly, at what point was my right to spend my own money as I see fit taken away from me? Would someone please call our troops back to the U.S. to protect my rights and my freedoms!
November 25, 2008 at 7:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
elcid81 (anonymous) says...
Robert Ford should be put out to pasture with Lil Joe.....Ebony and Ivory. They just don't get it.
November 25, 2008 at 7:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Carolina_Politics (anonymous) says...
It's amazing how much I can agree with Robert Ford when I disagree with him on practically everything (does that make sense?). I've made this case before. Why not legalize gambling? We're all adults here, aren't we? What gives the state the right to tell grown adults that they cannot engage in video poker, slot machines, or other forms of gambling entertainment? This is an issue of freedom. It's the 21st century. Get with it already.
http://www.carolinapoliticsonline.com...
November 25, 2008 at 8:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Slick50 (anonymous) says...
Moonpie...you are right on the money. The state killed video poker and the huge tax revenue it generated in order to legalize the education lottery. Although not a proponent of video poker, it was a tax on those willing to play the machines. I can't believe the state could not foresee the inevitable outcome of that decision. Eight years later, video poker suddenly makes sense. Once again we go full circle.
November 25, 2008 at 8:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hillbilly (anonymous) says...
with the economy so bad and people out of work,,where will people get the money to gamble
November 25, 2008 at 10:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
BPFROM843 (anonymous) says...
adding casinos in myrtle beach and on i95 along with video poker would generate hundreds of millions of dollars for our state and add jobs and help stimulate the economy
November 25, 2008 at 11:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
berthelot (anonymous) says...
Maybe pick one of those little podunk towns in that "corridor of shame" that Clyburn is always going on about and transform in into little Vegas. Maybe?
November 26, 2008 at 12:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
corolla (anonymous) says...
Bring it back!! After looking at all the stories about poker machines being seized, apparently it never went away!!It seems to me that the state just stopped collecting revenue from it. Eight years ago I enjoyed playing video poker. I still do, I just take my money to Vegas or Harrahs, South Carolinas loss. This loss of revenue is the fault of our representatives and the few people who want to legislate morality. Please do not impose your morals on me. I work hard for my money and should be able to spend it as I please.
November 26, 2008 at 4:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jackconnor (anonymous) says...
Video poker should never have been banned! The industry brought a lot of revenue to this state. Maybe the budget would have been balanced with no cuts if our representatives had not banned video poker eight years ago. The state should never have been allowed to monopolize gambling. How much revenue has been lost to other states that allow gambling? How much revenue is lost to internet gambling? I enjoyed video poker eight years ago in this state. Now I take my hard earned money out of state. South Carolinas loss. It seems the state has taken away my right to do with my money as I please. Bring the poker machines back!!
November 26, 2008 at 5:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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