Christian Action League
N.C. Gov. Bev Perdue has just signed an agreement with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians to help expand the most predatory business in the country — that of casino gambling. The finalized deal will now be sent to the North Carolina General Assembly. Lawmakers may choose not to approve the contract, but they will be asked to consider changes in law to allow for Class III, Las Vegas style table games. Currently the tribe does not offer anything beyond electronic and video games.
The General Assembly’s two-day session is expected to end tomorrow, so it is imperative to contact your representatives IMMEDIATELY and ask them to oppose any expansion of gambling in North Carolina. Already getting an earful from gambling industry lobbyists, Legislators need to hear from YOU about the importance of protecting our state from the growing problem of gambling addiction and all the societal problems that gambling brings — from higher risks of divorce, bankruptcy and child abuse to increased crime and more.
Both the Governor and the Cherokees are promoting the compact as a boon to education and the economy, promising that it will bring 400 jobs and that a percentage of the profits will go to schools. But any profits bound for classrooms will be coming from the pockets of some of North Carolina’s most vulnerable citizens. Furthermore, gambling provides no real, long-term solutions to economic woes, and anyone who believes the deal will help fund education need look no further than the state lottery and how education has received less money since its inception than it did before.
“The reasons for opposing any expansion of gambling in North Carolina are myriad,” said the Rev. Mark Creech, executive director of the Christian Action League. “We urge believers across the state to keep their appeals to lawmakers simple and direct: Don’t risk North Carolina’s future on a something-for-nothing scheme. Vote against the new compact.”
Most importantly, he said, contact them NOW before it’s too late.
Take Christian Action NOW!
To write an email that will go directly to your lawmaker click here for the Christian Action League’s Grassroots Action Center.
After you have sent your email, take note on the Christian Action League’s Grassroots Action Center as to who represents you in the NC House and Senate, then go to the North Carolina General Assembly’s web site at the following links and get the phone number of your lawmaker and give him or her a phone call about this matter. If you don’t get to speak with one or both of them, leave a voicemail or a message with his/her legislative assistant.
Senate click here
House click here