SEARCH NEWS:

 

Rhode Island Lawmakers to Debate Lottery, Casino Issues

PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island – As reported by the Kennebec Journal:"For decades, lawmakers have been powerful advocates on boards and commissions that control billions of dollars in state assets. If voters give their approval this year, legislators will oversee but no longer control everything from the lottery to waste management, though no one's quite sure how it will work.

"The restructuring of boards and commissions, a budget deficit, casino gambling and civil unions are some of the thorny issues expected to be debated in the legislative session beginning Tuesday.

"…A budget shortfall will increase pressure on the General Assembly to finally pass a bill asking voters whether they support casino gambling, despite [Governor] Carcieri's opposition, University of Rhode Island political science professor Maureen Moakley said. The state would get part of the gambling receipts if a casino is approved.

"…Much of it will come from the Narragansett Indian Tribe and its partner, Las Vegas-based Harrah's Entertainment Inc., who will again lobby for a West Warwick casino. Harrah's representatives promise to be among the first lobbyists in the Statehouse this month. They'll be in Rhode Island to meet with Democratic lawmakers, organized labor and others.

"The Narragansetts lobbied for a West Warwick casino for years, before joining with Harrah's in late 2002. Last year, the House approved a bill that would put the question of casino gambling to voters but leave it to a state gambling board to issue a single casino license.

"The Senate failed to act on that bill, but Sen. William Irons, D-East Providence, said recently gambling will be a priority issue this year. Irons was Senate president until his abrupt New Year's Eve resignation. He resigned his leadership position effective Thursday, and will leave the Senate next month…"

< Gaming News