The Urban League of Greater Kansas City, a community based non-profit organization dedicated to achieving equality and promoting socio economic opportunity for African-Americans and others, today announced its endorsement of the Schools First Initiative. 

“We strongly support the Schools First Initiative,” said Gwendolyn Grant, president and CEO, The Urban League of Greater Kansas City. “It will provide vitally needed new revenues to schools throughout our state and protect more than 12,000 good-paying jobs at Missouri casinos. In light of the looming increase in competition from new casinos planned in Kansas, voter approval of this measure is especially important to our local economy.”

The Schools First Initiative, slated to appear on the November state ballot, will increase funding for elementary and secondary schools statewide, and keep Missouri casinos competitive by updating the state’s casino regulations. The initiative increases the state tax paid by casinos to 21% and eliminates Missouri’s outdated $500 loss limit, which does not exist in any other state.

The State Auditor estimates that the initiative will provide $105 to $130 million per year in new revenues for schools statewide and millions more for early childhood education, college scholarships, veterans’ services, and other state and local programs funded by the $2 per visitor excursion fees Missouri casinos pay.