Sen. Kim Ward (R-Westmoreland) and Sen. Sean Wiley (D-Erie), the Majority and Minority Chairs of the Senate Community, Economic, and Recreational Development Committee, responded Tuesday to a letter sent by ten Pennsylvania casino owners requesting the General Assembly consider certain proposals to help the industry remain competitive.
In a March 17, 2015, letter, the owners of Pennsylvania’s six Category 1 casino license holders and four Category 2 casino license holders called on the legislature to enact proposals that would, among other things, eliminate minimum staffing requirements, allow for 24-hour alcohol service, expedite slot machine placement, and provide for reinvestment tax credits.
The letter did not include so-called “resort casinos,” Valley Forge and Nemacolin.
In responding to the letter Tuesday, Senators Ward and Wiley agreed to review the proposals put forth in the March 17 letter.
“[W]e will carefully review and consider the various points addressed by the signatories as we attempt to ascertain what actions, legislative or otherwise, are necessary and warranted,” the letter reads.
The senators also acknowledge while there has been a strongly-forged partnership between the casino industry and the Commonwealth to grow and develop the industry, more is needed to ensure the Commonwealth remains competitive.
"However, to ensure the continued success of the PA gaming industry, Pennsylvania must take the necessary steps to maintain a business environment that will protect and increase the attractiveness of PA casinos to gaming patrons in an increasingly competitive environment," they said.
NewsClip: PLS: Senators Agree To Review Casino Owners’ Proposals
