2008 Woodie Awards
Vote Absentee
Local News for the State of R.I.
Issue date: 4/17/08 Section: News
House Delays 24-Hour Gambling Vote
According to The Providence Journal, wary of the impending backlash, House Democrats chose, at the last minute, to pull a vote on 24-hour gambling in the state of Rhode Island.
Lawmakers stood ready to pass a number of amendments that would grant more money to Lincoln and Newport (who would host the new casinos) and increase the amount of money that Rhode Island spends on gambling abuse treatment, The Providence Journal reported.
Rev. Eugene McKenna, who staunchly opposes the casino bill, traveled to Newport to speak out against it. He feels that passing the bill would be a betrayal of Rhode Island voters who voted against the casinos.
"Rhode Island already has the highest per capita income from gambling, more than any other state in the union. Enough should be enough," said McKenna, to The Providence Journal. "Governor, listen to the voice of the people and veto any expansion of gambling in Rhode Island."
The bill was shelved soon after without any official explanation from the government.
"I think it's an ugly bill and I don't think, at this point, the leadership has the stomach for it," said Republican Nicholas Gorham according to The Providence Journal.
Despite this, a matching bill is still on the table that would allow for 24-hour gambling at both Twin Rivers and Newport. Acceptance of the bill is largely based on the vastly increased revenue the state will receive. This year Rhode Island is fighting projected deficits of $151 million and $384 million next year. The casinos would add a much needed $14.8 million to the state income.
"We certainly applaud the efforts of the senators and representatives who are working so hard to close the state's budget gap and in general, we are receptive to any and all initiatives that may allow us to maximize revenues at Twin River," said a Twin Rivers representative to The Providence Journal. "But we have not taken any formal positions on the above mentioned legislation."
According to The Providence Journal, wary of the impending backlash, House Democrats chose, at the last minute, to pull a vote on 24-hour gambling in the state of Rhode Island.
Lawmakers stood ready to pass a number of amendments that would grant more money to Lincoln and Newport (who would host the new casinos) and increase the amount of money that Rhode Island spends on gambling abuse treatment, The Providence Journal reported.
Rev. Eugene McKenna, who staunchly opposes the casino bill, traveled to Newport to speak out against it. He feels that passing the bill would be a betrayal of Rhode Island voters who voted against the casinos.
"Rhode Island already has the highest per capita income from gambling, more than any other state in the union. Enough should be enough," said McKenna, to The Providence Journal. "Governor, listen to the voice of the people and veto any expansion of gambling in Rhode Island."
The bill was shelved soon after without any official explanation from the government.
"I think it's an ugly bill and I don't think, at this point, the leadership has the stomach for it," said Republican Nicholas Gorham according to The Providence Journal.
Despite this, a matching bill is still on the table that would allow for 24-hour gambling at both Twin Rivers and Newport. Acceptance of the bill is largely based on the vastly increased revenue the state will receive. This year Rhode Island is fighting projected deficits of $151 million and $384 million next year. The casinos would add a much needed $14.8 million to the state income.
"We certainly applaud the efforts of the senators and representatives who are working so hard to close the state's budget gap and in general, we are receptive to any and all initiatives that may allow us to maximize revenues at Twin River," said a Twin Rivers representative to The Providence Journal. "But we have not taken any formal positions on the above mentioned legislation."
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