Citizens for More Michigan Jobs Submits More Than 500,000 Signatures to State for November Ballot Consideration

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CONTACT:  Emily Gerkin Palsrok

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                                                                                                                                           epalsrok@lambert-edwards.com

Citizens for More Michigan Jobs Submits More Than 500,000 Signatures to State for November Ballot Consideration

Lansing, MICH –  Two weeks  shy of the July 9 deadline, Citizens for More Michigan Jobs (CMMJ) today delivered 509,777 signatures to the Secretary of State office – demonstrating overwhelming support from the Michigan electorate for the initiative.

"Despite a massive effort in the past month to deter voters from signing our petitions, more  than half a million Michigan residents endorsed our plan to raise the casino tax rate and create thousands of new jobs through the construction and operation of eight new casinos," said Emily Gerkin Palsrok, spokesperson for the coalition.

"We feel confident that our plan offers a positive alternative to the status quo," continued Palsrok.  "Not only does our plan create thousands of new jobs and raise the tax rate on casinos, but it also dedicates the revenue that casinos generate to important items like K-12 spending, police and fire, road improvements and to local counties and municipalities.  The people of Michigan, instead of Lansing politicians, will get to direct how the new revenue is spent, and every dollar will be accounted for on a new public website that will track revenue and expenditures."

Palsrok said the opposition's attempt to dissuade voters from signing the petitions had little or no effect on the effort.

"Voters saw through the hypocrisy of the existing casinos fighting against more competition and an increase in the gaming tax," said Palsrok.  "It is clear that they are not concerned with job creation, or with generating new revenue for important programs like education and public safety.  Rather, they are intent on maintaining the status quo, which allows them to enjoy a very low gaming tax and limited competition.  They made clear from the outset that they are willing to say anything to maintain their monopoly."

CCMJ is proposing eight new privately owned casino locations, which would – if approved by voters in November – creates thousands of good paying jobs and increase state taxes on all private gaming facilities.  The new revenue would directly benefit Michigan schools, roads and bridges, law enforcement, and local units of government.  

The proposed sites would be located in Detroit, Birch Run, Grand Rapids, Romulus, Clinton Township, Clam Lake (Cadillac), Pontiac and DeWitt Township (Lansing).  CCMJ estimates the new casinos will generate $275 million annually in new revenue for the state and create more than 16,000 new jobs.

Currently, Michigan has 25 casinos, but only three are privately owned and pay taxes – one of the lowest tax rates on gaming in the country.   CCMJ’s proposal would increase that tax to 23 percent, with a specified distribution system to benefit core statewide programs, such as education, police and fire programs, road, local government and gaming addiction programs.

With signatures now submitted to the state, CMMJ plans to officially kickoff proactive campaign efforts in July.

CMMJ was formed by Jobs First LLC, a group of Michigan business leaders focused on increasing jobs and economic development across the state by targeting convention and tourism areas.  All proposed private casino locations are on land already owned by Michigan Developers.                                                                    

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Group seeking 8 new casinos in Mich. submits ballot signatures | The Detroit News | detroitnews.com

Group seeking 8 new casinos in Mich. submits ballot signatures | The Detroit News | detroitnews.com


The constitutional ballot measure also would increase Michigan's gaming tax to 23 percent from the current 19 percent that MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity and Greektown casinos pay. The current tax is split between the city and the state, while revenue from the proposed 23 percent tax would be dedicated to local communities, state school aid, state road repair and host counties, as well as police and fire in communities throughout the state.

"We feel confident that our plan offers a positive alternative to the status quo," Emily Gerkin Palsrok, Citizens for More Michigan Jobs spokeswoman, said in a statement. "Not only does our plan create thousands of new jobs and raise the tax rate on casinos, but it also dedicates the revenue that casinos generate to important items like K-12 spending, police and fire, road improvements and to local counties and municipalities."

From The Detroit News: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120626/BIZ/206260400#ixzz1z0wEUSIn

Atlantic City's future looking bright after week of positive news - pressofAtlanticCity.com: Atlantic City | Pleasantville | Brigantine

Atlantic City's future looking bright after week of positive news - pressofAtlanticCity.com: Atlantic City | Pleasantville | Brigantine

Maybe we can learn something from Atlantic City's efforts and success in implementing a long term plan. Please see excerpts from the article below:

While casino win figures released Friday were not positive, Atlantic City’s overall economy is on the brink of a turnaround likely to result in an investment stampede, predicted Israel Posner, executive director of Lloyd D. Levenson Institute of Gaming, Hospitality and Tourism at the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey.

“It’s the idea that we’ve been discussing for many years, that Atlantic City is transforming into a full-scale entertainment resort,” Posner said. “That transformation, that vision, is emerging in full bloom. You can see it this summer. You can feel the energy all over the city.

Posner also said that investors who have been shunning the city for the past few years now will be tempted to take a second look. He cautioned that they could lose out if they wait too long.

“I think that what could happen very quickly is that investors will be tripping over each other,” he said. “If you’re late, the opportunities are not there. The early participants that are drawn by the excitement have the most to gain because they are coming in during the threshold of the transformation. If you wait, the risk will be lower, but the reward will be lower, too.”

The Atlantic City Tourism District Master Plan, approved by the CRDA Board Feb. 1, advised that Atlantic City diversify offerings and perhaps partner with other towns on artistic, cultural and other nongaming initiatives. The marketing strategies behind the events themselves matter, too, particularly with social media, the 300-page document stated.

“Everyone is excited and understands we’re in it together, and need to work as a team,” Palmieri said.“That’s a positive thing. And from what I understand, that’s a new thing for this city.”