Democratic State Senators Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) and Tim Larson (D-East Hartford) today welcomed public comments by Governor Dannel P. Malloy that he would consider signing a bill granting the owners of Connecticut’s two tribal casinos permission to build a commercial casino in East Windsor to compete with MGM Resorts International in Springfield.
The governor’s comments were published today in The Connecticut Mirror.
“I want to thank the governor for his recognition of the enormous impact that a new casino could have on retaining and growing thousands of jobs here in Connecticut,” Senator Osten said. “I believe it’s also important to caution against the unknown consequences of approving any other casino agreement that could jeopardize our historic legal agreement with the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribal nations. The governor’s comments today provide the legislature with a single, clear path forward on the issue of casino expansion in Connecticut, one that I believe is both reasonable and necessary to protect and grow our economy.”
“I would like to thank Governor Malloy for sharing his support for our tribal partners,” Sen. Larson said. “Senator Osten and I have worked closely with the Mohegans and the Pequots on this legislation for well over a year, because we believe they have been excellent business partners who have been truly invested in our state and our communities. The joint venture in East Windsor will create thousands of construction and full-time jobs for the region, and protect one of Connecticut’s most important revenue streams. I appreciate that the governor respects how important the tribes have been to our state over the last 20 years.”