Question 2 looking to work for residents of Maryland

With the nation's economy spiraling out of control, and with no quick fix or easy answer to correct the problems, the trickle-down effect starts to find its way to the states of this country. In this state of Maryland, it's no different. With residents worried about taxes being raised and the risk of jobs being lost, not to mention numerous other negative factors, something had to be done to alleviate the problems, and it seems at least a few of those problems, could have an answer, albeit, a controversial one.

On November 4th, along with electing the 44th President of the United States, Maryland will be voting on Question 2, which would approve and support the Maryland slots referendum looking to help schools and colleges, along with keeping millions of dollars that Marylanders spend at regional slots in Delaware, West Virginia and Pennsylvania, in-state.

The fact that 660 million dollars in new state funding by 2012, will result in no tax increases and also help make schools and colleges stronger, was music to my ears, as it should be to everyone else that struggles each semester trying to come up with money without fear of colleges having to raise tuition in the midst of the fiscal crisis.

While the proposed bill is controversial, in that some opponents, like Comptroller Peter Franchot, say gaming shouldn't be going on in this state and that slot machine gambling is corrosive to the state's economy , the referendum is quickly picking up steam, right before it's set to be voted on.
To some, voting for Question 2 is more of a moral and value-based issue, and do not want facilities near residential areas or numerous ones popping up throughout the state. While these are valid concerns, looking at For Maryland- For Our Future's website the solution represents a minor expansion of existing gaming, only allowing 5 facilities in very specific areas and no more than 15,000 video lottery terminals, and the so-called "slippery slope" which prevents further expansion of gaming anywhere in Maryland.

This should be great news to those looking for something, anything, positive to come out of government programs that are trying to help generate revenue to improve areas that need to be improved, and while I don't gamble myself, anything that helps prevent future tuition increases as well as helping teachers receive pensions and have more resources for the classes they teach in, has my vote.