As reported by: South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Saying Florida's public schools need the money, former state Education Commissioner Jim Horne has signed on to promote a constitutional amendment that would allow slot machines in seven South Florida racetracks and jai-alai frontons.

Proponents of Amendment 4, which would let Broward and Miami-Dade voters decide in separate referendums whether they want casino-like gambling at their local pari-mutuel centers, say it would raise at least $438 million for public education in the first year and $2.34 billion over five years. The money would be divided among the state's 67 school districts based on population.







"You're probably thinking Jim Horne is probably the last person you'd see standing here with the gaming industry," said Horne, a former state senator who said he never accepted campaign donations from gambling interests. "Amendment 4 is not about gambling, no matter how many people will want to attempt to mislead voters with negative connotations about this amendment. From this conservative's mouth to your ears, Amendment 4 is about improving schools by building a high-quality education system in every corner of the state."

The amendment was written by a conglomerate of dog- and horse-racing and gaming interests and then put on the ballot by citizen petition. To date, proponents have raised more than $11 million in contributions and $2 million in loans to push the measure, which will appear on the Nov. 2 general election ballot. About $9 million has been raised since Aug. 9, with most of that money coming from South Florida's dog tracks, the Calder Race Course and Isle of Capri Casinos, owner of the Pompano Harness Track.

Besides Horne, who said he is being paid to act as a spokesman but would not reveal how much, the amendment is also supported by the state teachers union, the Florida Education Association.

Gov. Jeb Bush, a gambling opponent who appointed Horne education secretary, said he opposes the amendment.

"I'm against slot machines, irrespective of who's going to advocate for them," Bush said. "I just think it's bad for our state. It's a false hope. It's a panacea. But the voters will get a chance to decide that statewide, and then I guess there will be referendums locally as well."

Supporters said the money could be used to improve technology, cut class sizes or raise teacher salaries, and would also help offset any economic downturn Florida faces because of the hurricanes.

"From pre-kindergarten to universities, there are real needs that have gone unmet," said Kevin Watson of the teachers union. "To perhaps even rebuild from the recent storms that have ravaged this state, we think this is a responsible position to look at potential sources of revenue for meeting those needs."

The pari-mutuel industry has been clamoring for help from the state to revive lagging attendance and revenues. The problem is blamed partly on bettors being lured away by untaxed Indian and Internet gaming outlets, the state lottery and "cruises to nowhere" that open gaming tables as soon as they get beyond state waters.

Attendance at Florida's 26 frontons and tracks dropped from a high of 17 million in 1980 to 2.7 million last year, while the amount of tax money pari-mutuels pay toward Florida schools has dropped from $100 million or more to $34 million last year.

Supporters say they hope that statewide passage of the amendment, and subsequent approval by voters in Broward and Miami-Dade counties, would boost interest in the pari-mutuels while raising money for schools.

"We already have gambling in Florida, and every time I voted 'no' on any kind of gambling issue, another day cruise boat pulled into port and the Indians pulled another permit for another casino," Horne said. "Unlicensed, unregulated and not paying a dime of tax in this state. Make no mistake about it."

Florida voters have rejected casino gambling three times, in 1978, 1986 and 1994. Attempts by the Legislature to consider slot-like video terminals at existing pari-mutuel sites have run into a brick wall: the governor.

Opponents maintain that approval of the amendment would likely open the door to further attempts to expand gaming in the state.

No Casinos, which led the three previous drives to defeat casino gambling, is again gearing up to campaign against Amendment 4, along with animal rights groups and law enforcement agencies.

Information from The Associated Press was used to supplement this report.

Linda Kleindienst can be reached at lkleindienst@sun-sentinel.com or 850-224-6214.