State Senator Tim Larson (D-East Hartford) released the following statement after Governor Dannel P. Malloy today put his signature on a bill authored by Larson authorizing the state’s two tribal nations to construct a satellite entertainment and gaming facility in East Windsor:
“Today marks a critical turning point for Connecticut’s tourism and gaming industry, and will protect and grow thousands of casino and service industry jobs throughout the state.
“This has been about jobs all along, and standing up for the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribal nations who have been excellent partners to our state for the last twenty years, infusing billions of dollars into our economy and providing thousands of good paying jobs to our residents.
“This is something I have been fighting extremely hard for over the past two years, and the results of that fight will strengthen our economy for years to come.
“I want to thank my colleagues who supported this effort, especially former State Representative Steve Dargan who was instrumental from the beginning in supporting this bill and Senator Cathy Osten who championed this legislation and was a driving force behind its success.
“We will continue to fight to defend and protect our state’s businesses and residents, and this marks a historic step in that effort.”