Slots Bill is Dead for the Year

A bill that would have allowed racetracks in the state of Massachusetts offer slot machines is dead for the year. After hard-core lobbying and letter writing, Dean of the House of Representatives David L. Flynn, D-Bridgewater has no choice but to let the issue rest for the year.

His claim is that the Senate has refused to even hear the issue and thereby refused to allow action on the measure to legalize slots at the four race tracks.

Flynn says that revenue and licensing fees from having slots at the racetracks would generate $400 million immediately, and $500 million annually in revenue to the state. He argues that it is a better option than to raise taxes, or eliminate positive things in the budget like teachers or police personnel.

However, Flynn calls the standstill an “ironic blessing in disguise. By next year, the financial crisis in the state, cities and towns will grow exponentially worse. The Senate refusal to allow action on the bill will only serve to make it more viable next year.”

As always, there are two sides to every story as Senate President Therese Murray denies that the Senate has refused to admit the bill in the first place: “It is unfortunate that Representative Flynn would make such an accusation. It couldn’t be further than the truth. He either misunderstands or has been misinformed.”

Either way, the slots bill has come to the end of the road.

Back to June 2008 Archive.