Author: Linda Mahfood
I am writing to express my concern about the misleading advertisements
surrounding Missouri Amendment 2, which proposes the legalization of sports
gambling in Missouri.
While I am not trying to persuade readers to vote for or against this amendment, I
feel it is important to address the misinformation being spread. One particular ad
that caught my attention featured a former teacher advocating for the amendment,
claiming that the revenue generated from gambling would increase funding for
education.
While I do not doubt the money will indeed be allocated to education, my concern lies
with the potential loss of other funding for our schools. This is reminiscent of the
promises made by politicians during the earlier vote to expand the Lottery. The
question is whether the new money merely replaces previous state funding instead of
increasing it.
It is crucial for the advertisements to be transparent and inform Missouri voters
about the potential loss of existing education funds. As a teacher in the Parkway
School District for over 25 years, I understand the importance of properly funding
our schools. While I welcome any additional funds that could benefit all students, I
urge Missouri not to resort to another bait-and-switch tactic. We deserve better.