LINCOLN- Sen. Mike Flood of Norfolk called Tuesday for a prohibition barring the use of tax-increment financing for the construction of casinos, arguing that such a subsidy runs contrary to the purpose of TIF and to the will of Nebraska voters, who approved the advent of casinos in Nebraska based largely on their tie to property tax relief.

"Las Vegas can afford to pay for public improvements" associated with casinos that can be built and operated in Nebraska now in association with licensed horse tracks as a result of voter approval of a 2020 initiative, Flood told the Legislature's Urban Affairs Committee.

Flood took aim at an Omaha City Council decision to authorize up to $17.5 million in TIF for the proposed $220 million WarHorse Casino at Horsemen's Park.

TIF funding is designed to help cover redevelopment expenses in areas that are deemed blighted, Flood said, and are intended to help attract private development.

Sen. Carol Blood of Bellevue challenged Flood's proposal (LB713), arguing that "my concern is local control" and TIF funding is a local government issue.

Christy Abraham, legal counsel for the League of Nebraska Municipalities, opposed the bill, suggesting that it "limits local control" while noting that casinos still will pay property taxes.

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