Posted on 08/17/2012 7:47:26 PM PDT by Tolerance Sucks Rocks
ANNAPOLIS — The General Assembly passed legislation Tuesday night to expand gambling in the state, setting up a November referendum that will determine the proposal’s ultimate fate.
After six hours of passionate debate, the House voted 71-58 in favor of the bill, which would allow table games at the state’s slots casinos and at a sixth gambling facility to be built in Prince George’s County if voted into law.
The Senate approved the House amendments to the bill shortly after midnight, finalizing the legislation and wrapping up a four-day special session. Gov. Martin O'Malley, a Democrat, is expected to sign the bill Wednesday morning.
It appeared uncertain early Tuesday whether House supporters would have enough votes in the 141-member chamber, but lawmakers adopted several amendments that appeared to lock up last-minute support from legislators who had been on the fence. The bill passed with a razor-thin one-vote margin.
“We put together the best product that we thought we could have,” said House Speaker Michael E. Busch, Anne Arundel Democrat. “It’ll be on the ballot in November and the citizens of the state of Maryland will make the ultimate decision.”
Throughout much of the debate Tuesday evening, Democratic leaders appeared poised to block any major amendments in the chamber, dominated by Democrats. They did accept a few minor amendments from Republicans and two changes proposed by the Baltimore County House delegation in an apparent effort to gain support from its Democrats.
The delegation’s amendments would increase lottery retailer commissions from 5 percent to 6 percent, and would allow bingo pull-tab gambling machines at many veterans halls throughout the state.
House leaders have long resisted the veterans hall proposal, and Republicans accused them of changing their tune solely to gain votes in the House and on Election Day.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtontimes.com ...
Maryland “Freak State” PING!
Living in Rat controlled Maryland is a gamble in itself these days. The statehouse IS the casino and the taxpayers never win.
It’s nice that now the “evil” Ehrlich is no longer Governor the great state of Maryland can finally have all the gambling we want.
Couldn’t have that when Ehrlich was Governor; might make a Republican look good in this state. And we sure can’t have that, no matter the cost!
Sheesh, the hypocrisy of these “lawmakers” is insane. It’s almost enough to crush someone’s hope.
Maryland is turning into a DemocRAT crap hole, with never ending tax increases.
I have about a year to retire then I'm bailing out before Maryland government steals what little money I have.
And you are right, they still run short and need more money.
I couldn’t tell from the article....... will the proposed bill allow slot machines at the race tracks?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.