Newsletter Mar 18, 2008
For more information contact Bruce Barron at nodicepa@aol.com or 412-835-0614
Merchandise and Web site are in
There is, of course, a healthy debate on casinos and we can disagree about facts and figures but one argument I will not accept is that, if we say no to this plan, casino gambling is the only choice for economic growth and development.
I am pleased to announce that, thanks to the faithful service of No Dice board member and marketing consultant John Schnatterly and helpful input from many others, we are on the verge of a public campaign. John has established a Web site at www.nodicepa.org and put some initial material on it; we are hoping to make it more substantive this weekend. Feel free to send any suggestions.
John also designed and ordered our “Winners Avoid Casinos” merchandise, all of which has now arrived. Thanks to Marilyn Reed for making the first of what we hope will be many orders! We suggest a donation of $1 per item, or less per item if you order a bunch. You can reach John at schnat@verizon.net with your requests.
The Massachusetts Speaker speaks
I have nothing else to say in this issue that would be more powerful and credible than to reprint a portion of the message delivered to the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce today by Salvatore DiMasi, speaker of the Massachusetts House. Massachusetts is debating whether to approve Governor Deval Patrick’s plan to authorize three casinos in the Bay State. Read Speaker DiMasi’s words and you’ll wonder why any legislator who cares about the public interest would authorize casinos. Of course, sad to say, many legislators seem more interested in bringing additional revenues under their control than in the public interest.
Keep spreading the word: avoid casinos!
(Speaker DiMasi’s remarks follow.)
Prepared remarks of House Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi
March 18, 2008
The Chamber’s Government Affairs breakfasts are a meaningful way for leaders in government to get together with leaders in business to share ideas and work together to improve our great Commonwealth.
A strong economy fueled by good jobs allows the state to support the services that make Massachusetts a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
In turn, a strong business climate depends on government’s ability to give you the tools you need to grow your businesses and get out of your way when government threatens to slow you down.
As we gather here today, much is on our plate in state government.
We see clear signs of a worsening economic forecast, a significant state budget deficit, and many substantial issues to tackle – from energy reform that reduces our dependence on foreign oil to health reform that slows the annual double-digit premium increases that hurt businesses and individuals.
Unfortunately, the public, political, and press attention has been diverted almost entirely from those important issues to whether or not Massachusetts should allow casino gambling.
Today, the Governor’s bill will get a full, fair hearing before the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies.
I’m sure it will be an overflow crowd with proponents and opponents.
And I’m confident there will be many questions –- tough, pointed, detailed questions.
And I’ll be listening for answers –- real, honest answers.
We were repeatedly assured that the plan offered conservative estimates. We were told the proponents had done their homework.
But these conservative estimates have been called into question.
The Boston Globe looked at the job estimates and found they were inflated –- by at least six times.
The Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation said the estimates for revenues are also overstated by at least $100 million.
Proponents say casinos will solve all our budget problems, lead to lower taxes, and be the salvation of cities and towns.
Connecticut, New York, and Rhode Island all have casinos –- and they all have higher taxes than Massachusetts.
Pennsylvania allowed slots to give property tax relief –- now the Governor is proposing a major sales tax increase.
We also don’t hear much about the demonstrated negative economic effects. We know most gamblers come from within a 50-mile radius of the casinos.
In states that have allowed casinos, there has been an economic drain from thriving local businesses that have seen their revenues devoured.
Which city or town in Massachusetts is willing to become a casino sacrifice?
We will absolutely have increased bankruptcies, foreclosures, divorce, broken families, increased property crimes, domestic violence, and on and on and on.
Proponents have a responsibility to provide real numbers on the social costs of casino gambling.
Make no mistake about it: the taxpayers will pay the costs. And none of the glossy promotional brochures have provided any real estimates.
If any industry wanted to come into our Commonwealth that would pollute our clean air or contaminate our rivers and streams, we would rise up to stop it –- even if it would create thousands of new jobs.
Casinos will absolutely cause human damage on a grand scale.
The cost of cleaning up the human devastation brought by casino gambling is too great.
The cost of creating a casino culture is too high.
Our great state is the birthplace of public education, the epicenter of worldwide higher education. We have the best in arts, culture, and history. Just across the river, one batch of scientists is dreaming up a cure for cancer and another is designing the next space orbiter.
We are the Athens of America.
Do we really want this? Do we need this casino culture? After six months of debate on this bill, I believe the evidence is not there, the case has not been made and time is running out.
Right now, my answer is no!