Taxes From Slot Machines May Aid School Construction

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.-School construction funds, once expected to drop dramatically over the next few years, could instead take advantage of a slot machine jackpot.

Voters recently approved a constitutional amendment that allows the use of slot machines at horse and dog tracks at jai alai rooms in Broward County. Taxes on the gambling money could produce more than $200 million a year for the state. Legislators are now trying to determine the exact tax rate on the money.

The Senate Judiciary Committee has created a bill that would earmark the slot machine proceeds for a school building program that would encompass elementary schools to new university buildings. The House has earmarked the funds for educational enhancements but has not yet provided any other specifics.

If the Senate bill were passed, it would provide much-needed funds for the Public Education Capital Outlay program, which is now funded from taxes on utilities, including the telecommunications industry. But because of an increase in cell-phone use, proceeds from utility taxes have been lower than normal. The Senate bill would also clearly link the gambling proceeds to new school construction.

Gov. Jeb Bush has not yet endorsed the Senate bill.