MA Governor DeLeo Pushes for Gambling
Massachusetts House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo is pushing forward with his plan to expand gambling in the state. He stated that ideally the state should look to increase the money from gambling revenue including slot machine gaming and racinos, or race track/casino combinations. He believes that combined, they are the perfect antidote to a state that is struggling with its budget. Since the recession, the state has suffered greatly, as have most states, and the reality of gambling is making waves in almost every economy.
DeLeo recently made a speech on job creation and the good it would bring to the economy at the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. He stands firm that the money would be a positive advantage for the state to bring in. A part of the revenue from gambling would be allotted to a special fund to help manufacturers with investments. The reason is that if they are struggling, added revenue can help them to sustain jobs and keep people working without having to use future cutbacks. It also may encourage other people to continue investing in the state and fuel it with more money. DeLeo’s proposal for bringing gambling to the state is vague and that is much of the reason why it has not gained the huge support it was hoping for when it was first introduced. DeLeo plans to support a bill to the House in coming months that promises to be controversial once it hits the floor.
The question of gambling is a difficult one that every state is wrestling with. They all believe that there is a hefty amount of revenue to be had by bringing slots and race tracks to the state, along with various other types of online gaming and wagering. There is an opposition however that sees the issues increases in gambling would bring about. They cite a greater crime rate, corruption, money laundering and addictions as the main reasons why the states should be careful and not think of gambling as a sure-fire fix to the budget problems created by the recession of 2008/2009. Despite concerns though, there is a strong backing of legislators who continue to push for legalization and regulation of gambling. They see the revenue as a much-needed move if the economies are to survive into the 2011 fiscal year.
Tags: debate, Deleo, gambling, Massachusetts, race
