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Connecticut Lawmakers Repeal Gambling Law

"Backers of the repeal say eliminating the law could stop another Indian tribe from opening a casino in Connecticut. The law was used by the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes to open Foxwoods Resort Casino and Mohegan Sun, respectively.

"…Gov. John G. Rowland has said he would sign the legislation, but he expects it will be challenged in court.

"Minority lawmakers in the House led a six-hour debate, urging fellow legislators to keep the statute in place. For hours, two lawmakers raised questions, offered amendments and gave lengthy speeches.

"…`It's hypocritical,' said State Rep. Michael Caron, R-Plainfield, who voted against the repeal. `To repeal this law while still wanting to get the slot money is just hypocritical and I'm not going to support it.'

"…Rep. Andrea Stillman, D-Waterford, said civic organizations and churches would lose $156,000 of the $17 million raised annually in charitable contributions. The state issues about 100 permits for Las Vegas nights fund-raisers, said Stillman, incoming chairwoman of the Finance Committee,

"…Members of the legislature's black and Hispanic caucus argued that repealing the law would be discriminatory because it would adversely affect one group of people. Several tribes are in the process of seeking federal recognition and the ability to build casinos…"

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