Casino news source: The Boston Herald - http://news.bostonherald.com
Support for casino gambling grows in the House
By Casey Ross
Gov. Deval Patrick’s proposal for three resort-style casinos is gaining key support in the Legislature, with more than two dozen House lawmakers showing new openness to the plan despite voting against expanded gaming last year, a Herald review found.
While there remains a solid core of gambling opponents, interviews with dozens of lawmakers this week revealed that sentiment in the House is beginning to shift toward Patrick’s plan.
Of 111 House members interviewed by the Herald, 65 lawmakers, or 58 percent, said they either support the governor’s proposal or remain on the fence, while 46 lawmakers, or roughly 42 percent, said they are opposed or deeply skeptical. Twenty five lawmakers who voted against legalizing slot machines last year said they are now undecided about the casino proposal.
“I’ve been strong anti-gambling in the past, but my eyes and ears are now wide open,” said Harriett L.Stanley (D-West Newbury). “When I see all the seniors lining up to go to Mohegan Sun, it makes me wonder whether I’ve been in the wrong place on this.”
Several veteran legislators said Patrick’s proposal has significantly altered the political dynamic, with far more lawmakers willing to consider resort casinos than previous proposals for slots at racetracks.
“No matter where I go in my district, the only thing people want to speak about is the casino gambling proposal,” said State Rep. Peter J. Koutoujian (D-Waltham).
Koutoujian said he is “keeping an open mind” about the governor’s plan because it is significantly different from prior proposals and because it could generate hefty revenues for the state.
Patrick wants to license three casinos - one in western Massachusetts, one in the southeastern part of the state and one in the metropolitan Boston region. His plan would devote half of the anticipated $500 million to $600 million in annual revenue to transportation projects, and the other half would go to property tax relief.
The House is seen as the center of the opposition to expanded gaming, and political experts believe Patrick still faces an uphill battle to win approval. In the Senate, membership is seen as more amenable to gambling, and Senate President Therese Murray has already offered measured support.
The number of gaming skeptics in the House outnumbers strong pro-gaming lawmakers by 46 to 18, a margin of more than 2-to-1, but there is also a soft middle of 47 undecided lawmakers.
It is unclear how much influence House Speaker Sal DiMasi, a longtime gambling opponent, will exert to sway votes in the coming months. He has voiced “deep skepticism” about Patrick’s proposal and questioned its purported economic benefits.
The governor is expected to formally file his proposal within a couple weeks, a step that will initiate a long series of hearings and debate. A vote may not take place until next spring or summer. |
|
