Connecticut casino legislation in doubt
As lawmakers are discussing the current situation of casinos, the future of gambling in the state has been questioned by a House Speaker.
US.- House Speaker Joe Aresimowicz said on Tuesday that he wouldn’t be surprised if the legislature doesn’t take action this year on casinos. The General Assembly is scheduled to adjourn its activity on May 9th.
Aresimowicz said: “I don’t know that we’re going to finish anything up this session. We need to figure out what’s the best for the state of Connecticut, and that always includes our large cities. But it just can’t be: ‘Oh, let’s do a Bridgeport solution and hope it works for the rest of the state.’’’
The House Speaker added that he would not be surprised if nothing happens in 2018. “I think it’s a complex issue that we need to have a comprehensive strategy for,’’ he said. “Now, to say that negotiations or discussions really start moving quickly and we’re ready to act – OK, let’s do that – but I don’t see that happening in the next month.’’
MGM Resorts International has been lobbying in the state for quite some time, but always suffered the opposition from Connecticut lawmakers. Aresimowicz said: “There are a lot of moving parts, and to not have a comprehensive plan makes it more difficult. I’m not sure where it lands. It’s a work in progress.’’
