|
|
« Nursing home supporters rally against proposed cuts | Today | House passes bill requiring employers to use E-Verify » April 29, 2008Senate OKs 24-hour gambling on weekends, holidaysPROVIDENCE -- The state Senate voted 27 to 6 early this evening to approve 24-hour gambling on weekends and state and federal holidays at two slot parlors. But with one twist -- the Senate's approval includes an amendment setting a sunset clause of June 30, 2009. The House is expected to take up the measure tonight. The votes come at a time when the General Assembly grapples with several measures to deal with a looming budget deficit. Earlier this year, officials at Twin River estimated the extra gambling hours could raise an additional $11.8 million for the state. The state already depends on slot machines to provide about 8 percent of state income. And the Senate gave a little extra money to Lincoln -- where the Twin River gaming facility is located -- and Newport, which hosts Newport Grand. Lincoln will get a projected additional $1.1 million and Newport, a projected additional $173,005, in revenue from the expanded gambling hours. Also, the Senate committed up to $14.1 million of additional projected gambling revenue to school aid for communities, but there is no explicit promise that will increase anyone's school aid -- just that the expanding gambling will be a source of the aid. Extra: Take a look at who voted for and against the Senate bill, as well as those who did not vote.
The vote, originally scheduled for last week, was repeatedly delayed while House Speaker William Murphy and Senate President Joseph Montalbano fought over how much extra gambling revenue Lincoln and Newport should receive for putting up with longer gambling hours. Republican Governor Carcieri will not support expanded gambling if residents in Lincoln and Newport are against it, Carcieri spokesman Jeff Neal said today. Neal would not comment on whether Carcieri would veto the bill. Last week, Carcieri told Rep. Robert Watson, the Republican minority leader, that he would veto, Watson said. Democrats hold a veto-proof majority in the House and Senate. "We're in a tough spot right now," said Democratic Rep. William San Bento Jr., who sponsored the bill. "We need to raise revenue. We're trying not to hurt the elderly and the poor." But the proposals have critics, particularly among people who live near the slot parlors. In a nonbinding referendum in November, Lincoln residents rejected longer gambling hours at Twin River and also opposed turning the slot parlor into a traditional casino offering card and table games. Posted by Mike McKinney CommentsShawn | April 29, 2008 8:16 PM link they can keep it open 24/7 365- but Rhody is bankrupt and so is its degenerate gamblers. But that is the only solution the General Assembly. They certainly dont want to pay a percentage of their health insurance for a part time position. Paul S | April 29, 2008 10:18 PM link Post a commentPlease be civil. Vicious comments, personal attacks and profanity won't be published. Name and email are required; email address will not publish. |
|
ADVERTISING |
|
|
|
|
| Su | Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | ||
| 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
| 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 |
| 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 |
| 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 |
ProJo 9 to 5 News Blog
Oct 2005 - March 2006
I wish they'd just cut to the chase and allow table games. It's mind-numbingly hypocritical to allow rigged video games, greyhounds and lottery balls to take your money, but blackjack is too evil.