Michigan Ups Detroit Casino Taxes

The Michigan Legislature voted to increase the tax on Detroit's three casinos by one-third and set aside some of the new revenue for agriculture programs.

The Senate voted 30-6 and the House 93-15 to send the bill to Gov. Jennifer Granholm, who encouraged House Democrats to support it.

"This is a critical step toward resolving the state budget, and we are pleased they've supported it," Granholm spokeswoman Liz Boyd said after the votes.

The bill would increase the tax on the three casinos from 18 percent to 24 percent. It's expected to bring in an additional $50 million for the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1.

More here.