I am writing in opposition to 11VAC20-20-40 Section K, mandating that 40% of its electronic gaming adjusted gross receipts be given to charity. This mandate, if implemented would effectively force, our post to close. Our American Legion Post relies on these proceeds to be able to keep our doors open. Our post is not a club, but a Veterans Service Organization providing a safe meeting space for Veterans as well as a home away from home for thousands of sailors, soldiers and airmen who are stationed in the area away from home. The post also provides assistance to Veterans in filing claims for benefits and other services, helping take the strain off the overwhelmed staff of both the Veterans Administration and the Virginia Department of Veterans Services.

The proposed changes will negatively impact the Veteran and Active duty population who live in this area, where organizations like ours are among the few places where Veterans can not only feel at ease, but get assistance that they need. This regulation is reckless and will further erode the ties that bind communities together, when, more than ever, they need to be strengthened.

I am writing in opposition of these changes out of concern that The American Legion and other organizations could possibly cease to assist Military, Veterans, their families, our youth, and the local communities