Legislature approves $10,000 casino study

AUGUSTA – During initial votes Tuesday, the Legislature gave strong support to a bill that would launch a $10,000 taxpayer-funded study to analyze a casino’s impact on the state.

After evening debates, the Maine House voted 101-42 in favor of the measure. The bill, LD 2200, then was whisked to the Senate where it passed 20-15.

In addition to evaluating a casino’s impact on social services, affordable housing and crime, the proposed 19-member task force would assess such a gambling resort’s effect on local businesses and other forms of gambling in Maine.

Three weeks ago, leaders of the Penobscot Nation and the Passamaquoddy Tribe agreed to abandon efforts to submit a bill establishing a casino in southern Maine. Although there is legislative interest in the proposal, the tribes decided that the Legislature’s anticipated April 17 adjournment date would not provide enough time to review the plan thoroughly. Gov. Angus S. King remains irrevocably opposed to the gambling resort and all but promised to veto the bill if it reached his desk.

Under the provisions of the 1980 Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act, the tribes need legislative approval to acquire land they intend to use for gambling purposes. Proponents of the proposed Penobscot-Passamaquoddy casino claim the gambling resort would rival the Foxwoods Casino in Mashantucket, Conn., and generate $50 million for the tribes and $100 million for the state’s General Fund annually.

The tribes now are evaluating a 150-acre to 200-acre parcel near the interstate in Kittery for the casino, which would employ up to 4,000 people with wages averaging about $25,000 annually. The resort would rely on out-of-state players who supporters claim would make up 80 percent of the casino’s customers.

Sponsored by Rep. Rod Carr, R-Lincoln, the casino study task force would consist of legislative representatives, including a tribal representative to the Legislature, law enforcement interests, business representatives and others.

While the measure was approved by 21 of the 26 members of the combined Business and Economic Development and the Legal and Veterans Affairs committees, Rep. Mary Black Andrews, R-York, objected to the legislation because it was introduced rapidly at the close of the current legislative session and was not given the usual public notice that most bills receive.

“This is just another example of trying to put something over on the residents of York County,” she said. “They are not left with a very pleasant taste in their mouth. This is a very divisive issue, a very contentious issue and it will impact the polls in November, I can guarantee.”

Penobscot Nation tribal Rep. Donna Loring reminded the lawmakers that leaders of the Penobscot Nation and the Passamaquoddy Tribe had addressed the Legislature for the first time in the state’s history as part of an evolving government-to-government dialogue.

“This is a government-to-government proposal,” Loring said. “This legislative body is a policy-making body. I would ask that you give the tribal governments’ proposal due diligence and respect. I would ask that you consider this study carefully.”

The casinos study bill faces more votes in the House and Senate.