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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Josh Shapiro |
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Statement by Shapiro on his vote against S.B. 711
HARRISBURG, Jan. 6 – State Rep. Josh Shapiro, D-Montgomery, issued the following statement following his vote against legislation (S.B. 711) that would allow the state's casinos to offer table games:
"Tonight I voted against Senate Bill 711, which would expand gaming in Pennsylvania to include table games at casinos across our Commonwealth. The bill now goes to the governor, who is expected to sign it into law.
"My decision to vote against the final bill was based on a simple two-part test: First, does it get the best value for Pennsylvania’s taxpayers? And, second, does the bill adequately reform gambling in our Commonwealth? This bill comes up short on both accounts.
"While it makes a decent attempt at reforming gambling in Pennsylvania, it is not a good deal for Pennsylvania’s taxpayers.
"The licensing fee and table games tax rate are way too low. The original amendment I voted for would have taxed the table games at a rate of 34 percent - slots are already taxed at 55 percent. The bill passed tonight eventually will yield only a 12 percent tax rate for the Commonwealth.
"The reason the rates are so low is because they were largely set based on what the casino industry said they’d be willing to pay. Despite my requests, there was no independent analysis done to assess the true market value of the license or a fair tax rate. Failure to set a responsible and fair tax rate will ultimately hurt Pennsylvania taxpayers and require cuts to the budget or increased taxes.
"Additionally, this bill is laden with pork and projects for particular special interests. While there are no doubt some worthy recipients in this bill, they should have been funded through the normal budget process - not with de facto earmarks.
"We could have responsibly expanded gaming in Pennsylvania and made it a good deal for Pennsylvanians. Unfortunately, the course that was chosen will only do harm in the long run."