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AUGUSTA – The Senate on Wednesday voted to engross LD 701, the bill that would allow the Penobscot Indian Nation to operate slot machines at its Indian Island high-stakes beano facility.
The action means the bill will be printed with all approved amendments and sent to the House and back to the Senate for enactment.
An amendment approved by the Senate on Wednesday limits the operation of the machines to Indian Island, which was agreeable to the tribe.
“As a matter of fact, that’s the way we wanted it to begin with,” Penobscot Nation Chief Kirk Francis said Wednesday.
The Penobscots’ original proposal was to operate 400 slot machines at the facility, but an amendment in the House by Rep. Dick Blanchard, D-Old Town, decreased the number to 100 machines, which would operate only when the Penobscots hold high-stakes beano events.
The revenues would be used to support gambling addiction services, educational institutions and Maine tribes not licensed to operate slots. In addition, the Penobscots aim to use the proceeds to help reach its goal of providing an appropriate level of services for tribal members.
“The new bill really shows the tribe’s ability to be reasonable, and also that it’s really about those needs that we have here and not about any more than that,” Francis said.
Dennis Bailey, executive director of CasinosNO!, issued a press release Wednesday stating that the Legislature is ignoring the wishes of Mainers by approving the Penobscots’ proposal.
In November, Maine voters rejected a proposal for a racetrack casino in Washington County to be operated by the Passamaquoddy Tribe.
“If Maine voters need any more evidence that their elected representatives don’t listen to their concerns on issues like property tax relief and government spending, today’s vote is Exhibit A,” Bailey said. “After voters turned down more slot machines for Maine just four months ago, the Senate today showed outrageous disregard for Maine voters by ignoring the outcome of last November’s referendum.”
Francis previously said the two plans can’t be compared because the Penobscots have no plan for a racetrack and already operate high-stakes beano.
The Senate vote Wednesday was 24 in favor, 10 against and one absent.
The House approved the bill last week by a vote of 101-42, with eight representatives absent.
Gov. John Baldacci previously threatened to veto the bill if it made it through the Legislature, and his prior response to the House vote was no different.
If the governor vetoes a bill, it is returned to the Legislature, where a two-thirds vote of those present and voting in both the Senate and the House is required to override his decision.
“We’re cautiously optimistic,” Francis said. “In the end, we face an uphill battle, but we’re really appreciative of how people are supporting it.”
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