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Governor Rendell responds to Sugarhouse filing

"It is my understanding that the city of Philadelphia and its law department have concluded that the director of commerce has the authority, under state law, to grant Sugarhouse the right to erect approved structures along the Delaware River and has initiated a process to do that. I support this application process, given the importance of gaming revenues from this facility to reducing city wage taxes and expanding the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

"Philadelphia is already reaping the benefits of revenue from casinos in other parts of Pennsylvania, as we are spending hundreds of millions of dollars to condemn and demolish property in preparation for the planned expansion of the Pennsylvania Convention Center in downtown Philadelphia.

"Philadelphia senior citizens are also receiving property tax rent rebates supported by gaming funds, and all Philadelphia wage earners will see substantial wage tax reductions when all gaming facilities are up and running. These benefits are too important to the city, the region and the commonwealth to be delayed indefinitely.

"The Gaming Board made its decision as to the location of the casino after a public process in accordance with the Gaming Act, and the Supreme Court upheld that decision. I have met with representatives of community groups to discuss their concerns, and have taken their proposals concerning alternative sites to the developers, who have declined to pursue these options. I have also offered to meet again with community groups to discuss how best to address the impacts these facilities will have on the city, and I renew that offer today. But it is past time to implement the requirements of the law and to move forward to generate the revenues that will support substantial tax reductions and economic development statewide."

The Rendell administration is committed to creating a first-rate public education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing economic investment to support our communities and businesses. To find out more about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his weekly newsletter, visit his Web site at: Governor.state.pa.us.

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