Krieger Says State Government Should Cure Binge Over-Spending Rather Than Expand Gambling
Stating several times on the House floor Tuesday evening that the people of Pennsylvania deserve better, Representative Tim Krieger (R-Westmoreland) voted against Senate Bill 711 to allow the introduction of up to 250 table games in every Pennsylvania racetrack and stand-alone casino, including black jack, roulette and poker.
“What a sorry state of affairs we have come to, when gambling expansion is viewed as economic development,” said Krieger. “Instead of encouraging wealth creation and economic productivity, this measure will have the opposite effect and will result in the destruction and dissipation of even more of our people’s ever-shrinking wealth.”
In addition, Senate Bill 711 will raise the state’s total number of casino licenses from 14 to 15 with an initial tax rate of 16 percent (14 percent going to the state and 2 percent going to county and municipal governments). This legislation also provides for upfront licensing fees of $16.5 million for standalone casinos and $7.5 million for resort-based casinos.
“Again, the fundamental problem plaguing the state of Pennsylvania is not a lack of revenue, but too many years of government overspending,” said Krieger. “Rather than addressing this grave problem, the House has instead opted for the easy way out – seeking an allegedly painless solution. Like an addict, the House grasps desperately for extra revenues rather than facing the the reality of our fiscal situation.”
Since Senate Bill 711 channels table game revenue directly into the General Fund, no property tax relief will be realized until table game revenue reaches at least $750 million. Experts indicate that this process could take at least four years.
“The empty promises made to the people of Pennsylvania throughout this entire debate are politics at its worst,” said Krieger. “The snake oil of expanded gaming in exchange for desperately needed property tax relief was an illusion when slot machines were introduced in 2004 and will prove to be so again with the introduction of table games. The formulas established by this bill for local distribution of the spoils of gambling bear all the marks of a sordid deal hatched in some smoky backroom.”
Senate Bill 711 now returns to the state Senate for future consideration.
“The people of Pennsylvania look at how this bill was created and recognize it for what it is – a corrupt bargain,” said Krieger. “Our people crave real leadership; they demand real solutions to the economic problems that we face. Instead they get empty promises. The people of Pennsylvania deserve better.”
Rep. Tim Krieger
57th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
(724) 834-6400
Contact: Ty McCauslin
House Republican Public Relations
(717) 772-9979