Siptroth reacts to legalized table games

I have always supported distribution of proceeds from gaming for property tax relief. The bill that was passed in 2004 and is amended today to include table games provides future funds for additional property tax relief. The authorization of table games through SB711 will create hundreds of new jobs at Mt. Airy, 500 construction jobs for the Monroe Campus of Northampton Community College and an additional 100 permanent, non-college jobs. If Fernwood’s application for a Category III license is successful there may be hundreds of new job opportunities at that location. Monroe County will realize tens of millions of dollars in economic activity through S.B. 711 and local companies that provide goods and services to the casino and hospitality industry will reap substantial benefits. In the midst of this recession that is good news. If Fernwood is successful in securing a license, there is language in the bill to take care of the local distribution of funds. A portion of the Local Share Assessment will be dedicated to roads within 20 miles of Mount Airy Casino. Constituents within the 189th Legislative District will see improvements to local roads as a result. “The bill also adds a measure of fairness to residents of Monroe and Pike counties because Luzerne County is removed as a qualifying contiguous county from revenue generated by Mount Airy. Luzerne County should not receive money from Mount Airy because it has its own casino, Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs. The House version of the bill contains a number of necessary reforms to Act 71 which I supported. However, some amendments were offered to S.B. 711 that would have unfairly restricted Monroe County’s opportunity for a Category III license and the prospect of job creation and additional economic development dollars to the county and host municipality. I was successful in having that detrimental language removed from the bill the House passed.” Finally, before adding table games to Pennsylvania casinos, I would have preferred to see all of the casinos authorized under Act 71 opened and operating long enough to assess their social and other impacts on Pennsylvania. However, we already to know that table games at Mount Airy, Mohegan Sun and Bethlehem Sands will create hundreds of new job opportunities for residents of Monroe and Pike counties. State Rep. John Siptroth (D-189) Smithfield Township