Senator attaches 15 mitigation amendments to bill

By Jonathan Cook
Turley Publications Reporter

REGION– For potential host towns and surrounding communities, the shadow cast by the recently passed Senate Gaming Bill could be very dark, according to state Sen. Stephen Brewer, D-Barre.
Communities already struggling with state funding reductions will potentially face a pay out far less than the increased costs that will be confronting them should a casino be located nearby.
Brewer, who voted against the bill on July 1, explained that in the Senate proposal 25 percent of gross gaming revenue would go to the state – estimated to be about $300 million. Of that, 10 percent will be directed to the gaming Mitigation Trust Fund totaling about $30 million. Of that amount, 35 percent, or $10.5 million, will be used for community mitigation.
Brewer said that doesn’t cover road repairs, updated sewer and water systems, increased strain on school districts, environmental impacts, increased housing needs, increased police activity, or increased crime.
He pointed out that $10.5 million would be spread across not only the three host communities, but also the surrounding communities that will also feel the effects of resort casinos.
“The numbers just do not add up and cities and towns will end up picking up these extra costs,” said Brewer.
As an example of how far short this number falls, Brewer said, at one point, the town of Palmer handed him a request for $50 million in mitigation costs.
“I am concerned that without first conducting a cost benefit analysis, as I advocated for, we may be getting ourselves into a situation that we did not intend,” Brewer said.
He pointed out that estimates from other states with casinos show that costs to the community are as much as three times what they will get in the Senate Bill. “I could not in good faith vote for a bill that could end up forcing the taxpayers to pick up the tab, while the casino owners will be reaping millions of dollars in profits,” he said.
Yet, Brewer’s no vote came after weeks of negotiations and working to pass amendments that would correct some of the bill’s deficiencies. In the end, Brewer sponsored, co-sponsored and won 15 amendments, including an environmental provision that ensures all state and local rules are followed and requires the casinos to meet or exceed Gold Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design building standards.
Also, amendments Brewer gained include a requirement to create and empower a community mitigation subcommittee. One amendment provides local seats on the Gaming Policy Advisory Subcommittee. Another amendment requires $50,000 from the license fee to be given to the host community to conduct studies for the community mitigation
agreement. Brewer was the lead sponsor of this amendment.
Other Brewer-lead provisions include money for agricultural development programs, performing arts, and cultural facilities. Another amendment prohibits gaming applicants and key employees from making political contributions to any campaign in the Commonwealth. Another requires the Gaming Control Board to produce a baseline report on problem gambling. Local jurisdiction was added for the State Police group charged with casino related public safety. And casinos are prohibited from marketing to anyone under 21.
“I wanted to get as much as I could into law because what we did was a superstructure,” Brewer explained, adding that an independent gaming commission would write the detailed rules. “We won’t have a whole lot to say for a few years.”
Nevertheless, he said, “I won’t walk away from this.”
While he pointed out that he doesn’t have any moral issues with gambling, his concern has always been the communities.
”People move to Western Massachusetts to get away from the noise, the traffic, the pollution. It’s an area rich in history and great environment. I don’t want to see that lost. I want to make sure that communities are preserved, that they receive more than adequate mitigation funding, and that casinos don’t change the way of life here,” he said.
He predicts the first gambling will take place in the form of real estate acquisition. “I think there’s going to be an Oklahoma Land Rush. If you’ve got 30 to 40 acres and approximate a highway, you’ve passed the first threshold.”
Brewer said he recognizes the tough economic climate and the need for jobs, “but without protecting our communities, I do not see how this can be the best option.”
The bill is now heading into a conference committee to negotiate differences between the House and Senate versions.