Christian Action Commission

Does It Really Matter… Contacting Your Legislators?

Jimmy Porter

A Baptist layman tired of the bingo establishment operating the same hours his church was having services, especially since they were so close to one another. The Christian Action Commission (CAC) suggested he contact his state representative about the situation. He did. His representative filed a bill stipulating the hours bingo could operate if within a certain distance to a church. The bill passed both houses and the governor signed it into law. One man made a difference.

President Abraham Lincoln, in his Gettysburg Address on November 19, 1863, said, “. . . and that government of the… Read Full Article

Miss. Taxpayers Beg for Crumbs from Rich Man’s Table

Some things just get under your skin, and House Bill 1196 presently being considered by Mississippi legislators does that to me.  The short description given to it is, “Tourism; revise the definition of tourism projects for the ‘Tourism Project Sales Tax Incentive.’” The bottom line is that this bill will allow the gambling industry to take advantage of this – call it what it really is—tax rebate.

HB 1196 allows a corporation that invests a minimum of $10 million in a tourism project to receive a tax rebate for up to 10 years, not to exceed 30% of… Read Full Article

Getting Away with the Big Giveaway:  Most Legislators Vote for Casino Tax Rebates

Rob Chambers

Many TV shows have been emphasizing the importance of charity, and it appears most Mississippi legislators have taken this lead as well – but not in the true sense of charity. To be charitable means to give to someone in need, ill or helpless, but most Mississippi legislators have chosen to redefine charity to apply to lucrative casino businesses. 

In 2007 casinos had revenue in excess of $2.8 billion and for January and February 2008 alone nearly $500 million, but despite these numbers most legislators have chosen to deem the casino industry in need of charity.

… Read Full Article

Illinois church wins first round of religious liberty court battle

Marty King

CARLINVILL, Ill. - Carlinville Southern Baptist Church “can do everything we want in the new facility except use it for worship,” according to the church’s First Amendment attorney, Daniel Dalton.  More