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N.H. senate tables casino revenue legislation

CONCORD, New Hampshire – As reported by the Portsmouth Herald News:"The Senate tabled legislation Thursday to raise hundreds of millions of dollars in state revenue from casinos in Berlin and at the Pease International Tradeport, from video slots at the Seabrook greyhound racetrack and three other racetracks, to a half-dozen large hotels in Coos County.

"Senate Bill 225, sponsored only by Sen. John Gallus, R-Berlin, would have let local voters allow or reject slots and casinos in their towns by a referendum.

"The debate was four words long.

"Sen. Deborah Reynolds, D-Plymouth, rose to say, 'I move to table.'

"There was no discussion. It was a unanimous voice vote, a prearranged deal.

"Gallus worked hard behind the scenes at the 11th hour to table the bill, knowing he faced opposition from Gov. John Lynch, from Senate Democrats and from a strong Seacoast business and municipal lobby. Gallus and his GOP allies hoped to keep this revenue source in play until the end of the legislative session, when lawmakers must define an adequate education…"

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