Stack Votes Against Gaming Legislation

HARRISBURG, DEC. 16, 2009 — Citing several concerns with legislation that would bring table games to Pennsylvania, state Sen. Mike Stack tonight voted against the measure. The legislation passed the Senate by a 27-22 vote.

“While I understand that no bill is ever perfect, there are crucial components in this legislation that need to be changed,” Stack said. “I could not support the bill in its current form.”

The senator attempted to make several changes to the legislation on the Senate floor, but the Senate refused to suspend its rules to consider additional amendments to the legislation.

Specifically, Stack said he was concerned about the provision in Senate Bill 711 that would give Foxwoods another extension to build a casino along the Delaware riverfront. In September, the Gaming Control Board issued an order granting Foxwoods an extension until May 29, 2011, provided the casino owners meet certain timetable requirements.

“Time and time again over the past six years, Foxwoods has proven that it can’t get its act together,” Stack said. “Dec. 1 came and went and Foxwoods still couldn’t meet the timeline for submitting drawing and architectural plans. Instead, they asked for an extension. If Foxwoods cannot move forward, we should give the license to someone else. We need that casino up and running to provide good jobs for Philadelphians and additional tax relief to Pennsylvanians.”

Foxwoods still has until May 29, 2011 to build a full casino or temporary casino. “Philadelphia Park used a temporary facility,” said Stack. “Why can’t Foxwoods?”

Stack was also concerned about the impact of former Mayor John Street’s actions involving casino building in Philadelphia. Prior to leaving office, Street entered into payment in lieu of tax agreements with Philadelphia casinos using an obscure state law.

“These agreements are questionable at best. Plus, the city is leaving up to $60 million over a ten-year period in uncollected revenue on the table,” Stack said. “They could use that revenue to help balance their budget.

“Allowing the casinos to receive property tax abatements or fail to pay full use and occupancy taxes is in direct contravention of the intent of the Gaming Act,” he said.

Stack also said the bill lacks strict ethical standards banning lobbyists from having financial interests in the casinos.

“Lobbyists can influence legislation and improve their financial standing. Allowing them and their immediate family to have a financial interest can lead to corruption,” Stack said. “This is exactly what the lobbying laws were intended to prevent – financial reward contingent upon legislative or administrative action.”

The senator also voiced his concerns about a provision in the legislation that would allow credit extensions to gamblers in Pennsylvania casinos.

“We shouldn’t make it easier for people to access extended lines of credit, especially those who are just playing slots or are prone to making poor and irrational decisions while gambling,” Stack said. “While it may help accommodate high-rollers who choose to gamble huge amounts of cash, I believe it is perilous for others, and will potentially feed gambling addictions.”

Because the Senate amended the bill, it now moves back to the House for concurrence. Stack said he will urge his colleagues in the House to implement his changes when the House considers the bill.

###