Senate Senator Tim Larson (D-East Hartford) hailed final legislative passage in the State House of Representatives of a critical piece of legislation to protect and grow casino and tourism jobs in Connecticut.
Senate Bill 957, An Act Concerning The Regulation Of Gaming And The Authorization Of A Casino Gaming Facility In The State, passed the House in a vote of 103 to 46. It earlier passed the Senate in a largely bipartisan vote of 24 to 12.
The bill authorizes MMCT, a joint venture between the Mohegan and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribes, to operate a third satellite casino in East Windsor.
“I’m pleased that my colleagues in the House of Representatives were able to see this legislation for what it is—a bill to protect jobs, revenue and the largest driver of our state’s tourism economy,” said Sen. Larson. “I have said time and again, because it’s true, that Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods Resort Casino are world class businesses, and it is imperative that we do not turn our backs on two of our best industry partners in the state or the people they employ. This is a big win for Connecticut’s economy and the thousands of employees who work in tourism, the service industry and gaming in our state. I’m proud that the legislature has shown strong support for workers in our state in these final hours of our legislative session.”
In addition to the retention of 9,300 existing jobs, the East Windsor casino is expected to create 1,700 construction jobs, and 1,700 casino facility operation jobs—1,275 of which will be permanent, full time positions—and generate tens of millions of dollars in tax revenue to the State of Connecticut.
The bill goes next to the desk of Governor Dannel P. Malloy for his signature.
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