Legislative Ltr - Gaming Tax50 West 13ich Street
Dubuque, Iowa 52001-4864
(563) 589-4110 office
(563) 589-4149 fax
ctymgr@cityofdubuque.org
January 14,2003
The Honorable Mike Connolly
Iowa State Senator
3458 Daniels
Dubuque, lA 52001
Dear Senator Connolly:
As you know, the gaming tax issue is very important to Dubuque and Eastern Iowa. We
have many smaller gaming facilities, like the Dubuque Greyhound Park and Casino,
Diamond Jo, Miss Marquette and the Mississippi Belle II that could be severely hurt
financially by an increase in gaming taxes.
The City understands that with the State's current financial situation, it is unlikely that
the gaming tax will stay at 20%. To avoid any of these facilities closing, causing loss of
jobs and loss of revenues to state and local government, and charities, a graduated tax
seems to be most fair. In fact, the Gaming Task Force recent recommendation agrees
with the graduated or progressive tax concept.
The City of Dubuque supports the graduated tax concept put forth by the Gaming Task
Force. Our preference is the modified Illinois tax model, however, we would ask that
you not accept the recommendation to exempt some table game revenues from the tax
unless you allow the three pari-mutuel facilities in the State to also offer table games.
Please support the graduated tax concept as this issue is considered.
Sincerely,
Michael C. Van Milligen
City Manager
MCVM:jh
Casino taxes
Casino taxes
The Honorable Mike Connolly
Iowa State Senator
3458 Daniels
Dubuque, IA 52001
The Honorable Pam Jochum
Iowa State Representative
2368 Jackson
Dubuque, IA 52001
The Honorable Robert Osterhaus
Iowa State Representative
216 Austin
Maquoketa, IA 52060
The Honorable Julie Hosch
Iowa State Senator
22852 Butterfield Road
Cascade, IA 52033
The Honorable Pat Murphy
Iowa State Representative
155 N. Grandview Avenue
Dubuque, IA 52001
The Honorable Steven Lukan
Iowa State Representative
7365 Columbus Street
New Vienna IA 52065