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For Immediate Release
January 5, 2010
Contact: David Atkinson
717-787-6535
 

Smucker Again A Solid "NO" On Table Games 

For the second time in a matter of weeks, Senator Lloyd Smucker voted against gambling expansion in Pennsylvania.  "More legalized gambling is not in the public interest, and it is certainly contrary to the preference expressed by many people in our area.  This effort to bring in table games is about the revenue needs of a state government that is too big, and the greed of gaming interests that are getting to be too powerful.  Simply put, Senate Bill 711 contains too much gambling and too little reform," he said. 

"In my view, table games are the least of public priorities, and the worst of the opportunities available to Pennsylvania," according to Smucker, a staunch opponent of gambling expansion.  "Gambling does not make a positive contribution to a community, and it does not represent true economic development." 

Smucker indicated the constituent reaction he has received on the issue has been nearly all negative, with many individuals suggesting that state government continues to move in the wrong direction. 

"For months now, a great deal of time has been spent arguing over the financial details of table games, and very little attention has been paid to job creation, transportation improvements, property tax relief, or any of the other issues that Pennsylvania taxpayers care much more about," Smucker stated. 

"Pennsylvania has a lot of tough challenges, in improving the job climate, getting better results in education, controlling health care costs, rebuilding vital infrastructure, and more.  None of those issues will be solved because we have state-sanctioned poker, blackjack, craps, and roulette.  This does not make our state more attractive for investment," he concluded.