SEARCH NEWS:

 

Rhode Island Lobbyists Open Wallets

PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island – As reported by the Providence Journal: " Not a single vote has yet been taken this legislative session regarding gambling, but interested parties have already opened their checkbooks, buying billboards, radio ad newspaper ads and mailing information to lawmakers and business leaders.

"In the first two months of this year, groups have spent more than $165,000 to get their message out, a hint of what might be spent if a question about allowing a casino in the state makes it to November's ballot.

"In addition, organizations including the Narragansett Indian tribe, Lincoln Park and the Rhode Island Greyhound Owners Association, paid thousands more to hire lobbyists to push for their issues at the State House.

"…The only other group to file a report and say it was lobbying on behalf of a gambling interest was the Hotel and Restaurant Employees International Union, which supports a casino. The union has one registered lobbyist, Alisa B. Gallo, who is being paid $3,250 a month…"

< Gaming News