Legislators in Massachusetts have filed amendments to a proposed expanded gambling bill. The bill Massachusetts is considering would allow three casinos and one slot parlor spread throughout the state. Developers would need to submit proposals to the town they want to build in and the town would put the issue to vote. Senators are disagreeing on the value of the casinos and how to best protect communities so that they get a chance to have their voices heard.
However, the current bill doesn't require much more than a vote by the town as to whether or not they want the businesses. The Legislators that have filed amendments want voting to happen on a state or local election to ensure a large voter turnout. Some of the amendments that have been filed would require at least one public hearing to be held in the host town before the vote happened so that voters can be educated on the proposals. Other amendments ask that residents of surrounding towns within a 5 mile radius be allowed to vote or that all employees of the casinos be provided health care by their employer so as not to be a drain on state programs. More than a dozen amendments have been filed and many more are expected in the coming days.
Some opponents of the expanding gambling bill are questioning the economic impact and job creation that the supporters of the bill say the new casinos will provide. Supporters of the bill say that Massachusetts can expect $300 million in tax revenue from the casinos, something the state desperately needs. Legislators will need to get all of their proposed amendments in by March 26th, as that is the soonest the Senate can take the bill to the floor.