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Congressman says stimulus hurting A.C. casinos

ATLANTIC CITY, New Jersey -- As reported by The Press of Atlantic City: "Restrictions on federal stimulus spending are hurting the reputation of this gambling capital and undercutting efforts to help the area economy recover, U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo said Friday.

"'The demonization of gaming destinations such as Las Vegas and Atlantic City for business travel is wrong, wrong, wrong,' LoBiondo, R-2nd, said at a press conference in front of Boardwalk Hall.

"The congressman, citing figures from the Atlantic City Convention and Visitor's Authority, said $160 million worth of business and 120,000 visitors already have chosen other cities (but not canceled plans here) as a result of actions and talk by Congress and the Obama administration.

"LoBiondo, R-2nd, said he is working to repeal a provision in the $787 billion stimulus law passed in February that bans the use of any of the funds for the benefit of 'any casino or other gaming establishment.'

"He said the provision, which the White House interpreted at the end of last week as applying to nonprofit groups as well, is having unintended consequences..."

copyrighted material written for and appeared exclusively in The Press of Atlantic City

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