15 September, 2011
Yesterday evening the Massachusetts House voted to authorize casino gaming in the Commonwealth. Representative Carolyn Dykema (D-Holliston) was one of 32 “no” votes against the bill. Click here for vote tally on H.3702.
The bill authorizes three resort-style casinos spread across three regions of the state and one slot parlor bid competitively. Each region would be eligible for no more than one resort casino: A western region that includes Hampshire, Hamden, Franklin and Berkshire Counties; a Southeastern region that includes Bristol, Plymouth, Barnstable, Nantucket and Dukes Counties; and a third region that includes Suffolk, Middlesex, Essex, Norfolk and Worcester Counties.
“I have long had concerns about the wisdom of expanded gambling in Massachusetts and its net result for the residents of the Commonwealth and I know these concerns are shared by my constituents.” said Dykema. “During the debate, I did everything within my power to ensure that towns potentially impacted by casinos, including those that I represent, would have a true seat at the table when it comes to siting these facilities.”
Rep. Dykema filed four amendments to the expanded gaming bill which would have ensured a greater voice for surrounding and substantially impacted communities. Click here to view links to all amendments. While the amendments were not adopted in the final bill, one of them garnered support of almost 1/3 of the House membership after Rep. Dykema spoke on the House floor about the potentially significant impacts of this bill on the towns she represents.
The bill now moves on to the Senate where it will again be debated. If passed, should the House and Senate bills contain any differences, the differences will be mediated by a committee of conference before heading to the Governor’s desk for his signature. The Senate has not yet set a date for taking up the bill.
