State official: Casino money would not go to highway fund

As groups work to get casinos on the November ballot in Arkansas, the Arkansas Highway Commission officials believe some citizens may be misinformed about where the money will go.

While the Highway Commission has no official position on gambling in Arkansas, a commission spokeswoman said in a press release that the state agency “believes the citizens need to have a clear understanding of the proposal.”

“Specifically, citizens need to understand that the proposal does not direct any of the revenue to be generated from the casinos to our state’s highways, despite what some of the promotional ads are implying,” said Britni Padilla-Dumas, spokeswoman for the commission.

A group called Driving Arkansas Forward is promoting the ballot measure, and its videos can be viewed at drivingarkansasforward. com/media.

Of the estimated tax revenue from the casinos, more than half (55 percent) will go to the state’s general fund, but none will be directed to the state’s highway fund, Padilla-Dumas said.

“The fact is, the proposed constitutional amendment regarding casino gambling is not a highway funding proposal,” she said.

The proposed constitutional amendment is in the process of being certified to appear on the general election ballot.