FARNESE RELEASES STATEMENT ON TABLE GAMES BILL PASSAGE

HARRISBURG, December 17 – State Sen. Larry Farnese (D-Phila.) today issued the following statement on the Senate’s 27-22 passage of legislation (Senate Bill 711) that would allow table games in Pennsylvania casinos:

            “Senate Bill 711 includes many good reforms such as ending campaign contributions from casino owners and prohibiting felons from owning licenses,” Farnese said.  “I voted against the measure because the bill still included a provision that would allow Foxwoods to apply for an extension to delay opening the casino until December 2012.  Yesterday, the Gaming Board’s Office of Enforcement Counsel recommended against an extension for Foxwoods and I see no reason to continue to back this operator when it has shown no evidence of an ability to move forward with this project.

            I am pleased, however, that neighborhoods bearing the brunt of casino developments will finally receive some compensation through a host fee assessed on table games revenue.  This legislation will make grants available through the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) to benefit casino neighborhoods and address other citywide impacts of casinos such as education, crime, and health care.  DCED already administers similar host fees at three other casinos around the state.  Organizations affiliated with any elected official cannot apply for community grants under this program.”

Back to PaSenate.com