I attended the recent training session in Lynchburg that was put on by VDACS.  It definitely slipped out of Joans mouth during her speech that the new donation amount would increase from 10% to 40%.  When confronted about it she backed out of the conversation saying it was just a number she was using.  I especially liked how they want us to change how we report the 3rd quarter after the quarter had already been completed and closed and some organizations had all funds in one account (which we found out at the training that we needed separate accounts).  So in fact, this went into effect July 1 2022, but the state agency cannot give the specifics on how the agency will be required to enforce.  Seems like to me this legislation was rushed through on a whim.

I don’t think you know how much damage this would do to our organization or the organizations in our community that we continually support.  We at our lodge give more than 10% on average.  I am a business man and can see how this will change charitable donations on all parts.  I am also the Social Quarters Manager at Appomattox Moose Lodge.  People will loose jobs because of this decision.  Simply, we will not be able to pay them.   Most lodges cannot support payroll, and pay all utilities on just food and beverage sales.  Are you aware that we split our proceeds with the gaming company that supplies the machines?  So with 50% remaining, the state wants 40% of that?????  Where did this number come from??  Why not 20% or 25%???  

Do you pay attention to the amount of monies we funnel back into the community such at Sheriff's Departments, Fire Depts, and Rescue Squads, Operation Life Saver, and  ST Jude just to name a few?  Can you imagine the impact this will have on them? (And your care when you need them and call?). What about your kids ball team that we sponsored?  Should they be left out too?  I strongly urge you to revisit this decision.  

How many of you have actually read the UOP that you expect us to follow?  Did anyone study this and how it affects fraternal clubs?  So now we cannot use gaming funds for payroll, internet (required for gaming machines) or entertainment.  How about the skill games at the local stores?  How much do they have to donate?  Let’s be fair now.  

If you do not revisit this, you will see a lot of the small fraternities close.  That in turn will cause the donations in the community to go down and people to loose their jobs.  This affects everyone and I personally feel that whoever made this decision did so without looking at the big picture.  Please revisit this decision.