New MA casino bill

[TheEngineer]

Originally Posted by CashRules36

I have not heard anything back. I sent a similar email to Gov. Patrick a few days ago after last week's debate. I honestly don't think they read the emails and its probably too late in the process. And I don't contribute money to their campaigns.

They actually do read the emails. Keep in mind that lawmakers and staffs can read emails, tabulate them, formulate positions based on them, and act on them -- all without even responding to them. Similarly, they can write a great response while not acting on the content of the email at all. In other words, responses are completely disconnected from actions.

So, thanks for writing to them all. IMO it's very important for all of us to do just that!

[SuppBro]

Just saw on the news that the bill passed the senate, 24-14.

[caspermatic]

I've heard that the bill, as it stands right now, would also do away with the ban on happy hour drink specials in an effort to make it easier for restaurants and bars to compete with casinos. Can somebody who knows speculate on how likely this is to stay in? Would be a nice side effect for some.

[Skallagrim]

Bills have now passed the MA House and the MA Senate. But, as usual, the bills are not identical and so the bills now go to a conference committee.

The happy hour provision is only in the Senate bill.

The provision to study MA setting up online poker is only in the House bill.

The PPA plans to issue an action plan for MA residents and is also working with some MA legislators to continue support for the online poker study provision.

You will have to organize support for the happy hour provision on your own, however.

Skallagrim

[thedinergetsby]

OMG happy hour bill 1time! I've moved out of MA but the lack of Happy Hours in college was SUPER tilting.

[TBadr]

Originally Posted by Skallagrim

The PPA plans to issue an action plan for MA residents and is also working with some MA legislators to continue support for the online poker study provision.

Is this something non US citizens will be able to participate in?

[sofocused978]

Chicopee DemocratIc state Rep. Joseph F. Wagner will lead the three-member House team that will negotiate a consensus gambling bill with the Senate.

Wagner will be joined by Rep. Brian Dempsey, D-Haverhill, and Rep. Paul Frost, R-Auburn.

http://www.masslive.com/news/index.s...wagner_to.html
Looks like the Senate will name their choices for the committee on Monday. I want them to hurry up already and break ground haha.

[RedSycamore]

Looks like the three senators were named Monday:
Stanley Rosenberg, D-Amherst
Jennifer Flangan, D-Leominster
Richard Ross, R-Wrentham

Rosenberg is apparently saying they hope to be done by Thanksgiving even though the committee hasn't met for the first time yet. We can always hope.

http://www.boston.com/news/local/mas...s_final_casino

[thedinergetsby]

Rosenberg is also chair of the redistricting committee, that's due to come out with MA's congressional map next week. He's got alot on his plate!

BRAG: Gotten drunk off gin and tonics with Stan Rosenberg several times.

[RedSycamore]

Haha, nice. Hopefully things can get moving now!

[Lattimer]

Originally Posted by thedinergetsby

OMG happy hour bill 1time! I've moved out of MA but the lack of Happy Hours in college was SUPER tilting.

Happy hour amendment shot down

[CashRules36]

Originally Posted by CashRules36

This morning I decided to email my state senate representative Richard Ross advocating a poker room along with the slot parlor license. Ross represents the district where Plainridge racetrack is located, a prime contender for the slot parlor license. I realize this is probably a 0% proposition, but I wanted to at least try, and I urge others to do the same. Below is the email I sent him.

Dear Senator Ross,

As the Senate debates the regulation of casinos in Massachusetts, I would like for you to hear a point of view from someone you represent. I am a supporter of the casino bill because I know it will bring many jobs to the state. My family is originally from Connecticut near the Mohegan Sun casino, so I have personally seen casinos support a community. Not only did the casino provide jobs, but numerous other businesses popped up all around the area including hotels, grocery stores, and home improvement stores.

The Plainridge racetrack could benefit tremendously from the passage of this bill. I have read how they are interested in the one slot parlor license. While I believe this a good thing for Plainville, I think we may be a little short sighted in regards to the slot parlor. Slots will provide some jobs, but since they are only machines, jobs are limited. I believe the Senate should consider allowing poker rooms along with the slot parlor license. I am not suggesting other table such as blackjack or roulette, but only poker. Poker is different than other games in that it is not played against the house and has an element of skill. It will also create more jobs in the form of dealers and floor staff.

Thank you for your consideration and for serving the people of your district.

The Engineer was right, they do read the emails we send. I have received a response back from Richard Ross, who is part of the committee to come to a compromise on the casino bill, concerning the above email. I thought I'd share. Again, I'd encourage any Mass residents to email their reps. See Below:

Thank you for contacting me regarding your support for the Expanded Gaming bill. I appreciate hearing your thoughts on this matter, particularly your thoughts regarding poker rooms in slot parlors.

You will be happy to know that I voted to pass this bill in the Senate. I agree with you on the positive financial impact that gaming will have on the Commonwealth. I have also been advocating strongly for Plainridge Racecourse and the possibility of a slot parlor license. Especially during these difficult economic times, it is important for us to enact laws that will benefit our districts and the Commonwealth as a whole.

I have recently been appointed to the Expanded Gaming Bill Conference Committee, and will continue to work to ensure that the interests of my constituents are protected. Thank you again for contacting me about this issue. Should you have any additional concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to contact my office.

Sincerely,

Richard J. Ross
State Senator

[CashRules36]

Originally Posted by Lattimer

Happy hour amendment shot down

Where did you see this?

[AllinLoser]

Originally Posted by CashRules36

Where did you see this?

im actually curious of this as well. i got so excited when i heard news of this, i actually didnt even know happy hours were banned until i saw the news of possibly bringing them back. i was going to mcfaddens (lol) for the longest time as they did happy hours and they recently changed it to a $25 gift certificate night. i honestly dont know how they got away with it. i obviously care about poker more but for the short term its all about the small victories.

[gadolparah]

The restaurant association basically came out and said they didn't want the happy hour laws changed. Tough to give them a gift they don't want