FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
MFI PRESIDENT DENOUNCES VOTE BY HOUSE TO BRING SLOT MACHINES TO MASS
Calls on Senate to stop move towards casino culture in Bay State
WOBURN, MA–Massachusetts Family Institute President Kris Mineau released the following statement after the 123-32 vote to approve three Vegas-style casinos and one slot parlor:
“For years the Massachusetts Legislature stood proudly against the regressive proposals to bring expanded predatory gambling to our state, even as surrounding states decided to build casinos and slot parlors. Tonight, the Massachusetts House, led by Speaker DeLeo, approved a bill that will forever change the moral fabric and cultural history of our great Commonwealth. While we will not see it for a few years, the long-term costs of expanded gambling to our families will far outweigh any short term benefits. My hope is that the State Senate will stop this runaway train before it gets any further on its path of destruction. If they fail, I challenge Governor Patrick–who has long opposed slot parlors for their extreme addiction rates and zero economic benefits–to keep his promise and veto this flawed proposal. Tonight was a dark hour for our state, but it is not the end. MFI pledges, along with our coalition partners at USSMass, to continue this fight legislatively, legally and otherwise as necessary.”
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