Detroit Moves Ahead With Plan For Casino Tax Increase
DETROIT (WWJ) - The Detroit City Council is backing Mayor Dave Bing's plan to raise $20 million with a three-percent casino tax increase.
Council members voted six-to-three, Tuesday, to support the Mayor's proposal. However, the plan still needs state legislative approval.
Councilwoman Joanne Watson spoke for the majority.
"Folks are not flying into Detroit to gamble, it's the people who live here that's making them rich. And we ought to insist that they pay more back into the city of Detroit. It's the right thing to do, and the Mayor's right on this one," she said.
However, Councilwoman Saunteel Jenkins expressed concern that winning approval for a casino tax increase may not be good for Detroit in the long run.
"If the legislature agrees to it, what will we have to give up? We know that there is currently a movement to bring more casinos to Michigan," Jenkins said.
"So, is the compromise going to be we'll increase this tax, but you will have to allow more casinos? That is the Pandora's box that I am afraid of opening," she said.
The casinos remain united in opposition of any tax increase.
