Formica & Sen. Somers Offer Support for Casino Deal on Senate Floor

HARTFORD, Conn. – Today State Senator Paul Formica (R-East Lyme) and State Senator Heather Somers (R-Groton) offered their unwavering support for Senate Bill 957, An Act Concerning the Regulation of Gaming and the Authorization of a Casino Facility in the State. The Connecticut State Senate passed SB 957 early Wednesday morning in a 24-12 vote.

“After months of hard work I am thrilled to announce that Senate Bill 957 has passed the Senate. This bill will protect more than 9,300 jobs in Southeastern Connecticut, jobs that are vital to many hard-working families,” said Sen. Formica. “The tribes have been incredible partners to the state of Connecticut and to the entire southeastern Connecticut region. They have created jobs for thousands of families, they have boosted our local economies, and they have continued to enhance and expand tourism in Connecticut which has a multiplier effect on economic growth. When facing the threat of losing ground because of a new casino in Massachusetts, it became our responsibility as lawmakers to assist our community partners in identifying a path to protect jobs and preserve all they have brought to our region. That’s exactly what this bill does. Just as our state has taken action to help big companies overcome challenges to keep business up and running and growing in our state, this bill does the same for the one of the biggest job creators in our region. This is a vital piece to the puzzle to protect jobs and preserve the economic development our region relies upon,” said Formica.

The bill authorizes the operation of one off-reservation casino gaming facility in East Windsor, once certain conditions are met, subject to regulation by the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP). DCP regulates all legalized gambling in the state.

“In addition to the job security for workers and families, this bill will also help to boost tourism efforts by requiring 10 percent of the gross revenue from table games to be deposited into the statewide tourism marketing account,” said Sen. Somers. “I am proud of the work that we have done on this issue, I have witnessed first-hand the positive impact the tribes have had on the communities that I represent. Ultimately this legislation is part of a long-term goal to enhance tourism, protect economic development and preserve all that the tribes have accomplished for our state and for the region.”

Senate Bill 957 now heads to the House floor where it awaits a debate and eventual vote for final passage.

Senator Paul Formica represents the communities of Bozrah, East Lyme, a portion of Montville, New London, Old Lyme, a portion of Old Saybrook, Salem, and Waterford. For more information visit www.senatorformica.com or call 800-842-1421.

Senator Heather Somers represents the communities of Griswold, Groton, North Stonington, Plainfield, Preston, Sterling, Stonington and Voluntown. She can be reached at [email protected] or call 800-842-1421.