April 28, 2003
TOGETHER:
Express concerns to legislators
___Every Texan has reason to be concerned about issues that our Texas Legislature and governor face. I am grateful for those who represent us, making difficult decisions on our behalf. The biblical principle that informs all public service is this: "He has showed you ... what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6:8). Pray for those who serve us all.
___The Baptist General Convention of Texas Christian Life Commission staff provide lawma
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CHARLES WADE
Executive Director
BGCT Executive Board
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kers solid, factual and morally based information so they can make the very best possible decisions. I often hear how much state officials in Austin appreciate their helpfulness, insight and integrity. Pray for Phil Strickland and Suzii Paynter as they work to keep Texas Baptists informed on issues that are vital to us and provide information to those who are making public policy that shapes our future.
___I particularly am concerned about issues related to children in Texas and how they are reflected in the state budget. Just as a church's budget should reflect a deep commitment to reaching, teaching and ministering to children, so should our state's budget keep the "least of these" in clear focus.
___Another matter is worthy of your attention. Casino and gambling interests are pushing aggressively to expand all forms of gambling in Texas, claiming it is the solution to our state budget crisis.
___Some of us who don't gamble may be tempted to say: "Let the gamblers contribute all they can to help our state budget. It makes my tax bill less." In fact, that attitude in a Christian is sinful. God has charged us with the responsibility to not put stumbling blocks, or occasions for temptation, in our neighbor's path (Romans 14:13).
___Documented studies demonstrate that 1 percent to 2 percent more of the population will suffer pathological gambling addiction as gambling expands. That may not sound like many to you. But if it is someone in your family, in your business, in your church, it will be one too many! Problem and pathological gambling are associated with suicide, crime, financial difficulties, alcohol and other drug use, eating disorders, depression, clinical anxiety, and disrupted workplaces, schools and families. And the problem-gambling rate among college students is alarmingly high--more than double the general population.
___What the gambling industry does not want to acknowledge, and surely does not want taxpayers to know, is that gambling costs $3 for every $1 of gambling revenue received by the state. Recent cost analysis by academic scholarship shows the costs for each pathological gambler--addiction, $13,184; bankruptcy, $8,019; crime, $10,910; and insurance fraud, $3,700. Using 1 percent of the population as a conservative estimate, in a county with population less than 100,000, costs will be about $9 million. In a county whose population is between 100,000 and 500,000, costs are around $91 million. In a county above 500,000 population, costs will average somewhere around $600 million.
___There is no gain to the people of Texas if gambling is expanded in this state. I encourage you to contact your legislators today. Let them know you oppose gambling and will pray for them as they find a better, fairer and healthier way to fund the future of Texas.
___We are loved.
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