Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation Chairman Rodney Butler, left, and Mohegan Tribe Chairman Kevin Brown. Photo from CT Jobs Matter
The Connecticut Senate voted 20-16 on Wednesday to pass a bill that paves the way for one more tribal casino. The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and the Mohegan Tribe hailed action on Senate Bill 1090. Although it was revised significantly -- from three casinos to just one - they said it will the state address competition for gaming dollars in the Northeast. "On behalf of thousands of employees, whose jobs are at risk from gaming competition at the state borders, we thank the members of the state Senate for supporting SB1090 and moving this vital legislation forward," the tribes said in a joint statement, the Associated Press reported. "We will continue to work towards final passage, and we remain committed to working with the Attorney General to protect the state’s interest while also protecting 9,300 jobs." The bill requires the tribes to solicit proposals for the casino through a public process. After a host community is selected, the tribes would have to return to the Legislature for approval of the project. A location hasn't been specified but the tribes are looking at sites near the Massachusetts border. MGM Resorts International is building a $800 million casino in downtown Springfield, just a few miles from the state line. The bill awaits action in the Connecticut House. Get the Story:
Senate Forwards Watered-Down Casino Bill To House (CT News Junkie 5/20)
State Senate passes revamped Connecticut casino bill (AP 5/20)
State senators take step toward more casino gaming (WFSB 5/21)
Senate OKs Casino Bill, But Plots A Cautious Path (The Hartford Courant 5/21)
Senate passes revamped Connecticut casino bill (The Norwich Bulletin 5/21)
An Opinion:
Dan Haar: Casino Expansion Vote Is Wasting Time On A Doomed Effort (The Hartford Courant 5/21)
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