|
|
|
 |
Governor Patrick's Casino Expansion Bill Crushed
BOSTON --
After months of heated debate in Massachusetts, the House voted to reject casino expansion in the state. Governor Deval Patrick had been campaigning heavily across the state to allow up to 3 new mega-casinos, but the House, led by Sal DiMasi crushed the bill 108 to 45. The loss puts Governor Patrick in an awkward political position. After months of promoting in-state gambling, its obvious today State representatives oppose any such measures.
"The big money special interests inside the casino industry were defeated, and the people of Massachusetts won", DiMasi said to reporters. "Members of the House withstood incredible pressure from the deep-pocketed gambling industry, unions, and the governor's office."
Governor Patrick appears to have weaseled out with reporters and was unavailable for interviews. His spokesman Kyle Sullivan said he had to leave the state to attend undisclosed personal matters.
The debate over casino gambling expansion in Massachusetts was an extremely major economic issue. Governor Patrick was hoping to raise $150 million dollars per year from gambling revenue, while DiMasi favors an additional $1 tax on cigarettes to create the additional funds needed by the State.
Some Conservatives have proposed reducing the State's spending in certain areas to compensate for the imbalance.
Previous Gambling Law News Articles
Post A Comment
|
 |
|
|
|
