Capps, D-Cleveland, said lawmakers will likely use only interest from the lawsuit settlement because of concerns some tobacco companies will file for bankruptcy or the federal government will request part of the settlement. We are going to use it to do good things. He said the money will be used to finance legislative and federal mandates, including more narcotic agents, additional beds in state penitentiaries, health insurance for state employees, state mental health care, and education. Legislative budget writers, including Capps, will begin hearing from state agencies about needs in September. Capps said besides tobacco money, the state's finances are benefiting from casinos.
Opponents hope to get a statewide vote on a ban.
To replace casino taxes, the state would have to levy a 2 cent sales tax increase across the board, Capps said.