Bill would prohibit TIF use by casinos

Casinos and licensed racetracks would not be allowed to use tax increment financing under a bill considered Feb. 8 by the Urban Affairs Committee.

Under a segment of the state’s community development law, Nebraska municipalities are able to designate areas as substandard and blighted, allowing them to be redeveloped. When a redevelopment plan is approved, TIF bonds may be issued for the acquisition and improvement of the property. The increased property taxes generated by the improvements are used to pay for the financing of TIF projects.

Norfolk Sen. Michael Flood, sponsor of LB713, said TIF is a useful tool in rehabilitating dilapidated properties but using it to construct casinos is “just plain wrong” and should be prohibited.

“When municipal leaders start ignoring the letter and spirit of our community development law to subsidize casinos, they also dilute TIF’s ability to create positive change,” Flood said. “Every acre that is designated for a casino project is one less acre that can be designated in a truly blighted area.”

Pat Loontjer, executive director of Gambling With the Good Life, testified in support of the bill. She said gaming firms do not need help financing casinos.

“These are not projects that would not exist without TIF,” Loontjer said.

Christy Abraham of the League of Nebraska Municipalities opposed LB713, saying it would limit the ability of local governments to attract businesses. Tax increment financing related to casinos would be used only for public infrastructure and not to support gaming operations, she said.

“TIF can’t be used to buy slot machines,” Abraham said. “It’s for sewer, it’s for water, it’s for widening streets to make sure the traffic flow works when the casino goes in.”

The committee took no immediate action on LB713.