Tomorrow, in addition to selecting candidates for municipal and school board offices, Concord’s voters will be asked to vote “Yes” or “No” on allowing keno to be played in bars and restaurants. We write to clarify questions about the new state keno law (Senate Bill 191).
First, Concord’s vote on keno is not a vote for or against full-day kindergarten. That decision still entirely rests with local school districts.
Second, under Senate Bill 191, keno revenue must far exceed all objective estimates in order for keno to add support for full-day kindergarten.
So, don’t believe the hype; keno money for full-day kindergarten is an illusion.
Finally, objective studies show that keno, more so than many other types of gambling, uniquely fuels addiction, which isn’t helpful at a time when we are struggling to combat an addiction public health epidemic.
BYRON CHAMPLIN and DAN FELTES
Concord
(Champlin is city councilor for Concord Ward 4. Feltes is state senator for Concord, Henniker, Hopkinton, Penacook and Warner.)