That being said, I'm afraid that the costs of legalizing gambling could far outweigh the benefits.
These costs will not be financial but rather will be costs that will take their toll on Kentucky's families.
Gambling can affect everyone who plays, but, without a doubt, it hurts those who have the least to lose the most.
Kentuckians in poverty need a helping hand from their leaders to give them the resources and the opportunities to pull themselves up by their bootstraps. Giving them the temptation to gamble and lose what limited financial resources they have is reprehensible.
Additionally, the problem of gambling addiction is serious. When someone becomes addicted to gambling, like any addiction, it does not just affect them.
The addiction takes time away from their families and their jobs and adds a serious financial burden on their household.
While it is bad that they are destroying their own lives, it is even worse that they are harming the ones most dependent on them.
I am taking a stand by saying it is time that we say "no� to expanded gambling in Kentucky.
The costs far outweigh the benefits. We need to work to solve our state's problems, but hopefully in ways that won't cause more.
Sincerely, Lonnie Napier, State Representative
Dear Editor,
Small businesses are the engine that drives Kentucky's economy.
Retailers, farmers and high-tech entrepreneurs provide the jobs and economic growth that are essential for our overall prosperity.
But those small and mid-size businessmen and women are being challenged like never before.
Two bills now in the Kentucky legislature would provide much-needed relief in two priority areas-health care costs and tax burdens.
House Bill 445 would set up a program known as ICARE, which would help offset small business employers' costs of providing health insurance for their workers.
The bill has passed the House and now needs the support of our state senators.
House Bill 295 deals with another pressing issue-the fact that some of our small businesses are being forced to pay taxes on their gross income, even when they lose money for the year as a whole.
This bill would correct this inequity, and exempt small firms from the alternative minimum tax. It's still in a House committee.
Taxes and health care costs are two of the biggest concerns among small businesses and farmers.
House Bill 445 and House Bill 295 would help address those challenges and clear out these potential roadblocks to economic growth in our communities.
Please contact your legislators and urge them to support both bills.
Sincerely, David S. Beck, Executive Vice President, Kentucky Farm Bureau; and Tom Underwood, Kentucky State Director, National Federation of Independent Businesses
Dear Editor,
On behalf of the Board of Advisors for this area's Salvation Army, I want to offer a sincere thanks to all of you who have supported the Army. The recent Christmas kettle and Angel Tree campaigns were a tremendous success, again, thanks to the many companies, churches, and individual volunteers (too numerous to list here).
The money and gifts raised in that short time provided 1,200 meals for families in this area and toys for hundreds of kids who might otherwise have gone without.
While the kettles are highly visible and Christmas care packages well known, the Army is busy every day of the year meeting the needs in our communities.
They do the most good possible with the resources given and the opportunities presented to serve.
We in this five-county area are blessed with a highly effective Salvation Army corps and outstanding young officers who have devoted their lives to service.
I encourage you to get to know Capts. Zach and Shelley Bell. They are always looking for new partners to carry out God's work.
Your time and resources are well invested with the Salvation Army.
Sincerely, James P. Leahey, Chair, Board of Advisors for the Salvation Army serving Boyle, Casey, Garrard, Lincoln, and Mercer Counties
