Thursday, 4:30 PM
Casino decision won't happen this year, DiMasi says
(George Rizer/Globe Staff/file)
Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi told a group of business leaders today that there would not be a decision on the governor's plan to expand gambling.
By Matt Viser and Andrew Ryan, Globe Staff
WALTHAM -- After calling the unrelenting discussion of expanded casino gambling "nauseating," House Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi this morning gave his harshest comments to date about the governor's plan to license three resort-style casinos in Massachusetts.
"I have concerns about every single aspect of the proposal," DiMasi told reporters after speaking to 200 business owners at a scrambled egg and pancake breakfast. "To say the least, I'm skeptical."
DiMasi, a North End Democrat who in the past has been opposed to expanded gaming, has maintained that he is open to listening to Governor Deval Patrick's casino push. However, after speaking for an hour to the members of the Associated Industries of Massachusetts about ways to build the state's economy, DiMasi thanked the crowd for not asking about casinos. Without responding to a question, the speaker went on to say that although the state's economic future may be "foggy," the expansion of gambling was far from a done deal.
"It's one option we have," DiMasi said. "It's not the only option."
The expansion of some gambling has the support of Senate President Therese Murray, which gives Patrick a significant ally on Beacon Hill. However, the fate of the governor's proposal may still lie with DiMasi, who leads the 160-seat House.
"You are not going to get a decision this year, I can tell you that much," DiMasi said today.
DiMasi also said this morning that the state lottery revenues were $120 million short for the fiscal year that ended in June. The speaker said that the money had already been distributed to cities and towns and local aid, and he vowed to investigate why revenue came up short.
The lottery is overseen by state Treasurer Timothy Cahill, whose office did not immediately return a phone message left by the Associated Press seeking comment.
