East Lyme Senator Offers Support For Casino, Gaming Regulation Bill

HARTFORD, CT – State Senator Paul Formica (Republican-East Lyme) and State Senator Heather Somers (Republican-Groton) offered their unwavering support Wednesday for Senate Bill 957. The bill concerns the regulation of gaming and the authorization of a casino facility in the state.

The Connecticut State Senate passed SB 957 early Wednesday morning in a 24-12 vote, according to a release.

“After months of hard work I am thrilled to announce that Senate Bill 957 has passed the Senate," Formica said in a release. "This bill will protect more than 9,300 jobs in Southeastern Connecticut, jobs that are vital to many hard-working families, The tribes have been incredible partners to the state of Connecticut and to the entire southeastern Connecticut region...when facing the threat of losing ground because of a new casino in Massachusetts, it became our responsibility as lawmakers to assist our community partners in identifying a path to protect jobs and preserve all they have brought to our region."

"Just as our state has taken action to help big companies overcome challenges to keep business up and running and growing in our state, this bill does the same for the one of the biggest job creators in our region, Formica said. "This is a vital piece to the puzzle to protect jobs and preserve the economic development our region relies upon."

The bill authorizes the operation of one off-reservation casino gaming facility in East Windsor, once certain conditions are met, subject to regulation by the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP). The DCP regulates all legalized gambling in the state.

“In addition to the job security for workers and families, this bill will also help to boost tourism efforts by requiring 10 percent of the gross revenue from table games to be deposited into the statewide tourism marketing account,” Somers said in a release. “I am proud of the work that we have done on this issue, I have witnessed first-hand the positive impact the tribes have had on the communities that I represent. Ultimately this legislation is part of a long-term goal to enhance tourism, protect economic development and preserve all that the tribes have accomplished for our state and for the region.”

Senate Bill 957 now heads to the House floor where it awaits a debate and eventual vote for final passage.

Formica represents the communities of Bozrah, East Lyme, a portion of Montville, New London, Old Lyme, a portion of Old Saybrook, Salem, and Waterford. For more information visit www.senatorformica.com or call 800-842-1421.

Somers represents the communities of Griswold, Groton, North Stonington, Plainfield, Preston, Sterling, Stonington and Voluntown. She can be reached at Heather.Somers@cga.ct.gov or by calling 800-842-1421.

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