Education is the foundation for Virginia’s children, but unfortunately, schools across the state – including right here in Norfolk – are lacking the necessary funding to improve their facilities and provide the ideal environment for learning. More than half of Virginia’s schools were built over 50 years ago, with many being built prior to World War II. Some in Norfolk lack proper air quality due to asbestos, while others don’t have handicap entrances which are necessary for physically impaired students and teachers. In part, this is why the City of Norfolk has already earmarked the proceeds of the nearly $10 million land sale for the casino to go directly toward the renovation of Booker T. Washington and Maury high schools.
The need for more public education funding is clear to everyone, so voting yes in November for the Norfolk Resort and Casino will be a vote in favor of the financial reinvestment in Norfolk public schools and the entire Virginia public school system. Per legislation that was passed in April 2020, the state’s portion of new gaming tax revenue will help fund public school construction and maintenance. Based on anticipated gaming revenues, the Norfolk Resort and Casino is expected to generate $43.79-$51.18 million annually for public school construction, renovations and upgrades across the state. On top of that, the casino will also generate $26.2-$30.8 million in tax revenue that goes directly to the City of Norfolk, which could also be used to directly address public education priorities locally. This funding will help the City of Norfolk provide safe and healthy environments for students and teachers by addressing expensive education infrastructure problems that have been underfunded for decades.
Children have and continue to be the future of our world and the Norfolk Resort and Casino is excited to be a partner in helping bring much-needed resources to Norfolk schools.
I'm Ready To Vote YES!This is our opportunity to create jobs, generate millions of dollars for schools and make our city the leading tourist destination in Virginia. Join our cause, and help bring this once-in-a-lifetime project in Norfolk.
"I have lived in Norfolk over 25 years and I desperately want MY city of Norfolk to get this revenue in perpetuity, to mitigate flooding and help rebuild and refurbish our schools. That's why I'm all in!"
"The reparative element is one of the most important aspects of this discussion for me. Creating opportunity for our indigenous Americans that also boosts our Norfolk economy and tourism is a win win situation."
"This project will help provide much-needed revenue for our schools and preventing it from going forward would be a detriment to our students' futures."
"As a life-long resident, veteran and father, I know that it is time for our city to get a much needed boost. This project will create new jobs in all sectors that will help our entire city rise up economically. Jobs that will allow our kids to want to stay in Norfolk, which is important to me. This project is coming at the perfect time and that is why I am all in!"
"I support this resort casino because it will bring new jobs to our shared community and revitalize a part of our city that has been vacant for decades. This development will elevate Norfolk with a world class development we can all be proud of."
"I support the Norfolk casino project because it will bring thousands of jobs to our community and put our city on the map. A fun and creative project like this can transform our city into a destination that people all over the country will want to visit."
