ConnollyLtr_05_01_2001City Manager's Office
50 West 13th Street
Dubuque, Iowa 520014864
(319) 589-4110
(319) 589-4149 FAX
VIA E-MAIL &
1ST CLASS MAIL
mike_connolly@legis.state.ia.us
May 1, 2001
The Honorable Mike Connolly
Senate Chamber
Iowa Capitol Building
Des Moines, IA 50319
Dear Senator Connolly:
A bill has been passed out of the House Ways and Means Committee that would
provide a more certain future for Dubuque Greyhound Park and Casino, while providing
the State of Iowa $3.1 million in additional revenues over the next two years. The bill
caps the state gaming tax paid by racetrack/casinos at 32%, instead of the current law
that has the tax go to 36%. This 32% rate would happen sooner than the existing law,
giving the state more money now.
I support this legislation in spite of the fact that I consider this taxing structure to be
unfair. Gambling boats are taxed at 20% and racetrack/casinos will be taxed at 32%.
These two rates should be equalized at a rate that would be revenue neutral to the
state, or at a rate that Would provide additional revenue, while reducing the
racetrack/casino rate.
Please support passage of this bill.
Sincerely,
Michael C. Van Milligen
City Manager
MCVM:jh
cc: Mayor Terry Duggan
Dubuque City Council
Mr. Tom Bredeweg, Iowa League of Cities
Mr. Bruce Wentworth, Dubuque Greyhound Park & Casino
Barry Lindahl, Esq., Corporation Counsel
Service People Integrity Responsibility Innovation Teamwork
The Honorable Mike Connolly
Senate Chamber
Iowa Capitol Building
Des Moines, IA 50319
mike_connolly@legis.state.ia.us
The Honorable Thomas Flynn
Senate Chamber
State Capitol Building
Des Moines, IA 50319
tom_flynn@legis.state.ia.us
The Honorable Pam Jochum
House Chamber
Iowa Capitol Building
Des Moines, IA 50319
pam_jochum@legis.state.ia.us
The Honorable Pat Murphy
House Chamber
Iowa Capitol Building
Des Moines, IA 50319
pat_murphy@legis.state.ia.us
The Honorable Robert Osterhaus
House Chamber
Iowa Capitol Building
Des Moines, IA 50319
robert_osterhaus@legis.state.ia.us
The Honorable Paul Scherrman
House Chamber
State Capitol Building
Des Moines, IA 50319
paul_scherrman @leg is .state. ia. us