NEW: House to Vote on Newport Grand Table Game Referendum Today
Tuesday, March 06, 2012
The House is poised to consider a bill on Tuesday, March 6, at 4 p.m. that would allow casino gaming at Newport Grand with voter approval from both the state and city of Newport in the next general election.
Newport Grand, 150 Admiral Kalbfus Road, boasts more than 1,000 video slot machines, including line and reel games, poker, Keno and virtual blackjack tables. Upon full General Assembly approval, the bill would thrust the decision to transform Newport Grand into a full-fledged casino into the hands of voters in November. The legislation (2012-H 7543), which follows news of likely competition from newly-authorized casinos over the border in Massachusetts, states it could “play a critical role in the economy of the state and enhance local revenues.”
Rep. J. Russell Jackson (D-Dist. 73, Newport, Middletown) introduced the House bill, which received the stamp of approval from the House Finance Committee last week. Representatives Peter Martin (D-Dist. 75, Newport), Daniel P. Reilly (R-Dist. 72, Portsmouth, Middletown, Newport) and Deborah Ruggiero (D-Dist. 74, Jamestown, Middletown) co-sponsor the House legislation. Sen. Maryellen Goodwin (D-Dist. 1, Providence) submitted the companion bill (2012-S 2695) in the Senate.
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