Study: Marriage ruling will help Iowa finances

99counties.org ^ | 4-6-2009 | 99counties.org

[Grit]

There are very few immutable rules to remember when it comes to media consumption:

Rule 1: Don't believe everything you read. Rule 2: Don't believe anything you read, when the headline begins: " Study: ... "

Case in point, this bit of news from the CR Gazette:

By Terry McCoy News correspondent

A University of California at Los Angeles study says Friday's Iowa Supreme Court decision legalizing same-sex marriage may generate $5.3 million annually for the state budget.

That figure is based on an analysis of how much money would be saved in Iowa's public assistance expenditures, the amount raised by couples paying higher taxes and the increase in sales tax revenues from wedding planning.

The increase in "sales tax revenues from wedding planning" is directly proportional to how "fabulous" the wedding is.

[Lorianne]

Can you imagine how many ski vacations and cruises will be changed to Iowa cornfield excursions?

[exist]

Well the gay ice sculptures alone...and the fog machine?

[the_devils_advocate_666]

Well then, Iowa should just legalize prostitution. Think of how much money that could generate!

[relictele]

Vail or Cedar Rapids?

[No_More_Harkin]

We should close down the casino's now - with the windfall taxes generated by gays who come here for 1 day.
PS - what is the definition of marriage in IA now?

[Grit]

I see that Carlson at the Register is promoting the same idea. Namely that this ruling is a boon to the tourism industry.

Now, more than ever, it's important for Iowa's conservatives to remain calm.

It's time for clear thinking, not hysteria, over the fact the Iowa Supreme Court has legalized gay marriage in the state. There's plenty of time to panic later on.

Conservatives should now do what they do best: Figure a way to make some money on the deal, even if it hurts. And talk about an opportunity for some quick cash.

The Chicago Tribune was reporting Friday that bunches of gay couples from Illinois will soon be showing up in Iowa, presumably ready to spend money.

Yay! Money!

[Lorianne]

Iowa Tourist Atractions:
http://www.roadsideamerica.com/location/ia
http://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/18198

Snake Alley ___ Burlington, Iowa
Twisty switchback road is claimant in World’s Crookedest Street Battle.

Future Birthplace of James T. Kirk ___ Riverside, Iowa
Speculative bit of civic pride for Riverside’s future son and Star Trek’s original starship captain.

World’s Largest Strawberry __ Strawberry Point, Iowa
The town erected a big statue of its namesake.

Algona: World’s Largest Chee-to

Maquoketa, Iowa - Two-Butted Lamb

Columbus Junction, Iowa - Lovers’ Leap Swinging Bridge

Davenport: Giant Fiberglass Bull

Sioux City: First Corn Palace

Spillville: Bily Clocks Museum

Toledo: Butter Cow Statue

Wall Lake: Birthplace of Andy Williams

Dyersville: National Farm Toy Museum

Des Moines: Amazing Butter Sculptures

Clarinda: Glenn Miller Birthplace

Brayton: Tree in the Middle of the Road

Brandon: Iowa’s Largest Frying Pan

[Lorianne]

Oh my I forgot this attraction:

Museum of Traffic Control, Pella, IA

[bilhosty]

It should also help the Republicans.

[bilhosty]

What about the Herbert Hoover library and museum? You where you can hear him spinning in his grave.