Monday, March 24, 2008; Posted: 04:07 AM
Even those opposed to Gov. Deval Patrick's plan to legalize three resort casinos admit the lure of $450 million in revenues means the proposal will persist, especially as Massachusetts veers into grim economic waters for the next few years.
"I think the proponents of casinos will always be pushing their issue because until we have an environment in Massachusetts where there is enough revenue to pay for services, casinos are seen as an easy solution for our fiscal problems," said Jamie Eldridge, D-Acton, who opposes legalizing casinos.
Representatives overwhelmingly voted to kill Patrick's bill last week under intense pressure from House Speaker Sal DiMasi. Casino supporters would have to flip at least 32 members to earn a majority. But many said Sen. Steve Panagiotakos', D-Lowell, idea to put the question to voters may give members more leeway to support the plan.
"It would be good to have it on the ballot," said Rep. Bill Greene, D-Billerica, who supports casinos. "I don't agree with the governor's plan completely, but with the number of people who go to Connecticut, it seems silly that we don't have something here."
The non-binding ballot question would have to be approved by the House and Senate by July to get on the 2008 ballot. While it won't have any legal recourse, it will give lawmakers political cover from DiMasi's influence, said casino supporter Rep. Brian
Wallace, D-Boston.
"A lot of people can say, I have to do what my district tells me to do, and the Speaker understands that," Wallace said. "I'm just hoping (next time) the debate turns on the merits. This time it got personal and a lot of people had to duck for cover."
DiMasi has had no problem swatting down other ballot initiatives in the past, however, such as when he blocked a question which would make gay marriage illegal in Massachusetts. Rep. Colleen Garry, D-Dracut, said any measure related to casinos won't pass as long as DiMasi remains speaker.
"I think as long as Sal DiMasi is there you won't hear about it again. He probably won't even take the ballot question up. He'll say, 'It's already done. We're not doing it again,' " Garry said.
Increased support may also come as the Wampanoag tribe continues its quest to open a casino. While opponents claim the inevitability argument is bunk, Greene said it's only a matter of time before the Wampanoag tribe is approved.
"I don't want to lose all that revenue," Greene said.
Patrick's recent flexibility on the bill could also open the door to more support. Patrick suggested lawmakers amend the bill at a hearing last Tuesday, and while the plea was too late to save the bill this year it may mean more support next.
The election year may also have an impact.
"Local aid going to be the number-one issue, and I can see a lot of candidates committed to solving the revenue problem and that could include supporting casinos," said Eldridge, who is running for retiring Sen. Pam Resor's seat.
DiMasi also promised a vote on slots at the racetracks in the next three weeks to clinch support during the casino debate, but many believe the proposal won't fly. Wallace said those who support slots at the racetrack may begin supporting casinos again once they realize DiMasi doesn't have their back.
But Patrick is turning his focus elsewhere, and declined to comment on Panagiotakos' plan to put the question on the ballot. He also wouldn't answer whether he will file the bill again next year, only saying "We'll see."
But without casinos, Garry worried there may be a greater push for taxes.
"I think the Speaker will have his plan to raise cigarette taxes and close loopholes, but I won't support things that raise taxes," Garry said.
Patrick also called on lawmakers to bring their own proposals.
"It's not that I'm hostile to taxes, but we owe it to the people to try other things before we go to broad-based taxes," Patrick said.
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