JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI - IS A DOWNTOWN CASINO RESORT CLOSER THAM EVER TO FINALLY HAPPENING?

I've been very vocal about my support for a casino in downtown Jackson. I 100% believe it's going to take that type of development to salvage what's left of downtown after the last 30+ years of far-left, ultra-progressive Democrat, super majority control of Jackson. However, I still believe that the delegations representing the current casino cities will never allow it, and I don't understand why we continue to pander to them. The majority of the casino's customers come from the tri-county area, so the tri-county area should benefit from the economic boom that casinos could bring. Competition is good for everyone; it's not our responsibility to keep Vicksburg's casinos afloat.

News Segment Summary:

JACKSON, Miss. - A Mississippi House committee is exploring ways to revitalize the capital city beyond just addressing urban blight. They've been presented with a plan that could see a casino operating within a mile of the State Capitol.

A group of five businessmen, including former Governor Haley Barbour, have outlined their vision, believing that a casino is key to reversing Jackson's economic downturn. William Richardson, part of the Capital City Forward Together team, emphasized the potential of a casino to bring jobs and people back to the city center.

Key points of discussion include:

Location: Proposing a site within a mile of the Capitol to stimulate the city's core.
Funding: No state money should be invested, according to Richardson. The casino industry should finance its own projects.
Legislation: Changes to state law are necessary to authorize a casino in Jackson. The proposal suggests licensing only one casino, managed by an existing state operator.
Impact Fee: A proposed $10 million annual fee from the developer would serve as a revolving loan fund for further city investments, fostering growth without taxpayer expense.

Richard McNeel highlighted that this initiative could bring economic development without requiring public funds. The discussions are set to continue when the legislative session starts next month.