 |
|
| FriendFeed is the easiest way to share online. Learn more » |
HHS wants NH House to lower mandated $23 million dollar cuts to $13 million. Why? Becuz they already face a $10 mill deficit and have no $$.
The Nashua Chamber of Commerce endorsed gambling for the first time...we have momentum in NH!
NH House Local + Regulated Revs committee votes on SB 489 Thursday. Reach out to them and urge them to vote yes for jobs + $ for programs!
Slot machines cut from 17k to 9750, reduces sites from 6 to 5 and adjusts process to allow competition for license, still keeps $/jobs now.
Rep Dave Campbell offered an amendment to SB 489 for expanded gambling - he says it addresses concerns aired in last week's House hearing.
Thanks to all those who braved the rain and long hearing to voice support for expanded gambling! Keep telling Concord to vote yes on SB489
Shapiro: These revenue estimates are based on 11,000 machines even though the bill would allow for 17,000 slot machines.
Landry: Annual revenues with all 6 will be estimated $274 million. Perm jobs: 6,525
Landry: These numbers assume Mass will expand gambling, local population, and average salaries. 60% of gambling $$ comes from outside NH.
Landry: On issue of oversight: SB489 provides foundation for tight regulations, which are essential for successful gambling industry.
Economists Lisa Shapiro + Matt Landry Projected revenues from SB489 = $220 mill in license fees + $260 mill/yr in revenues with all 6 sites.
Rep Bouchard - "We should not be a nanny state and determine how the people of our state should spend their money."
Rep Candace Bouchard - a key member of House Democratic leadership - urged colleagues not to kill this bill and force more cuts on NH.
Franklin: Addictions: Alcohol - 12% will abuse. Drugs - 3% will abuse - gamblers - 1%-2% considered problem and pathological.
Franklin: Are there expanded social costs? Yes. But there's an offset for making treatment available, that's ignored by opponents.
Joanna Franklin - National Council on Problem Gaming: Pathological gamblers are already here. Less than 1% of population.
Rep David Campbell: 467 NH charities made money from local gambling. We gamble everywhere w minimal oversight/regulation in NH.
Rep Kim Casey (D) "If you have a laptop, you can gamble wherever you want, locations of casinos are not relevant. Keep your minds open."
3 straight hours of testimony on SB 489 and not a SINGLE opponent spoke.
Rep Rodechin - House refused to make $47 million in cuts. What's our alternative? Our budget hole is $160 million.
Rep Rodechin - "As a member of finance committee which works on budget, I believe gambling revenue estimates are real and sustainable."
Rep Bev Rodechin (R) I've voted against gambling for years, today I am in support. "I'm listening to my constituents"
Sen Sgambati says the money would be taken from licensing fee, which could be available this year.
Sen Sgambati says the $50 million from SB 489 could be leveraged with federal matching dollars to fund $100 million in cuts.
Sen Kathy Sgambati: frmr HHS Commish. The first $50 mill restores HHS cuts to health care, elderly svcs, child care, help for the disabled.
Rep John Dejoie, candidate for US Cong: "I've been inundated by calls from voters who support. We can't keep cutting srvcs. We need jobs."
Rep Paul Ingersoll (R) "Let's keep our money in our home state, provide jobs and pass this bill right away."
Berlin: City Council voted recently 10-1 in favor of hosting a gambling site.
Gallus: "I stay up at night trying to figure out how we will provide services to people up north who need my help right now."
Sen Gallus submitted a letter from Larry Kelly, who runs North Country Community Services, urging support for this bill, to restore cuts.
Other ways to read this feed:
