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Slot Machines

Monday, November 5, 2012

Question 7: A Primer on Maryland's Expanded Gambling Referendum

A look at what's at stake—and how the battle is being waged.

Note: This article was originally published on Oct. 25 but is being featured again ahead of Tuesday's election. WHAT IT'S ABOUT Question 7 asks voters whether they favor a plan to expand gambling in Maryland that would: The ballot question is a result of legislation passed by the Maryland General Assembly during its 2012 special session (view the House and Senate roll calls) and signed by Gov. Martin O'Malley. Several other portions of the law are not subject to a referendum. Slot machines have been permitted in the state since voters approved a gaming referendum (59 percent to 41 percent) in November 2008. Passage of Question 7 would mark a significant shift, however, bringing Maryland's casinos closer in line with those of Atlantic City …

RC

7:51 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012

I hear all of these negatives to it - like that it stipulates Union Labor and that labor will come from outside MD. So, where does it stipulate that and where are the specifics? And, certainly their will be some jobs for MDers. If there are other jobs created because of this, even outside of MD (if need-be) isn't that a good thing too. Like taxes expected to generate from hotel taxes, extra …   more ›

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Baker on Budget Gap: 'We Have to Look at Almost Everything'

The Prince George's County executive says a gas tax hike and the introduction of slot machines are on the table.

With Prince George's County facing a projected budget shortfall of more than $100 million and the state's gap expected to hit $1 billion, County Executive Rushern Baker says that elected officials will "have to look at almost everything" in the coming months to make up the difference. That could include anything from an increase in Maryland's gas tax to a five-cent plastic bag fee to introducing slot machines in the county, Baker told The Washington Post over the weekend. Baker — now a year into his term — said he'll lobby for changes to the state's income tax formula and fight a proposed shift of teacher pension costs onto the counties. He is also seeking state approval for a tax incentive program to attract more businesses to the county…

Kate Kelly

10:29 pm on Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Neither the Post story nor this one mentions that Prince George's County Executive Rushern Baker has requested that a new bill be sent to Annapolis under the sponsorship of Melony Griffith, chair of the county's delegation. Perhaps that's the incentive referred to. See the full text of the bill here: http://www.princegeorgeshousedelegation.com/legislation/bill-history?local=PG%20418-12 To me, the…   more ›

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