Lawmakers distrust casino project

Pennsylvanian lawmakers made public a critical speech against the casino proposal in York County due to business relations.

US.- Whilst Pennsylvania is planning November’s ballot in relation to casino expansion, local lawmakers have critised the project. State’s officials believe that the company lobbying for the approval of a new casino in York County would be exclusively and highly benefited by the development of the plan.

During a public hearing held yesterday, Pennsylvania lawmakers showed their disagreement with the casino proposal and they argued that Bridge Capital, the sponsor company of the project, has a “questionable history,” according to Portland Press Herald. The gaming investment firm, with headquarters in the Mariana Islands, was represented by Dan Riley, a lobbyist and attorney, during yesterday’s meeting of the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee.

“They got the signatures to put it on the ballot and they are going to be spending millions of dollars on advertising, probably six weeks prior to this Election Day in November, to convince people to vote for it. It will be slick advertising just like their whole approach to this was slick,” stated Senator Ron Collins, R-Wells, in the public hearing.

Pennsylvania’s residents would be voting for this proposal next November, as sponsors of the bill collected enough signatures to place the project on the ballot. However, under lawmakers’ pushing, the Legislature could debate the plan without the benefit of the referendum. “Clearly the legislation is drafted in a significantly limited scope of who might qualify should the initiative be passed by the voters. There is no question about that,” commented Dan Riley.