I am beginning to reflect on the past decade; one in which I donated tens of thousands of volunteer/civic hours for no pay. Has anything changed? I am older, my body aches more, my son is as tall as me and we struggle financially in a world riddled with cynicism. We have no retirement savings, no government pension and a child with a learning disability who wants a great life. College tuition is just around the corner and I feel like I just paid off Tufts and Springfield College for my degrees. I see the rich getting richer, politicians getting dumber and the political gridlock between Dems/Repubs. paralyzing a nation that was once a great place for innovation and work ethic.
I almost threw in the towel and turned my back on civic involvement last spring after being stalked by a nut case in my hometown for being female and an elected official. But no, I allowed my passion about the slots/casino issue to pull me back in. After 6 months of increased activity in that realm I wonder if any of it makes a difference.
Will citizen power and rational thinking prevail or will special interests, politicians without principles, and a disengaged public allow the further erosion of the economic and social fabric of our Commonwealth?
How long can I keep giving when I see the "leaders" with their own personal fortunes compromising the values that we need to protect? Governor Patrick who makes double the median family income in Massachusetts and is married to a high six figure corporate attorney recently stated that he will only run for one more term so that he can back "to making some money"....how am I supposed to work with that?
President Obama is in Hawaii stating at an unimaginable resort that we, "will not rest" regarding the latest attempted airplane disaster.
These are the guys that were better than the other guys. What is wrong with your messaging people? Doesn't anyone have common sense? You need some regular people sitting at your right hands not the elite insiders.
Term limits are needed to save our democracy.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Carcieri Fix a Disaster in the Making
I think our elected officials have lost their minds, truly. Read below to see how Congress wants to give away states power. It seems like it's really a subversive from of treason.
The "Carcieri fix" is a proposal fueled by special interests that sets-up an on-going and increasingly conflicted paradigm between native american tribes, private property owners, municipalities and special interests.
The pragmatic reality is that federal trust title removes lands from local government jurisdiction and the property tax rolls. Therefore, tax bases shrink and conflicts due to competing jurisdiction issues are raised causing additional burden to taxpayers. Also, the bill (below) intends to let all federally recognized tribes take advantage of the provisions to take private property into federal trust title. These land-into-trust provisions were originally intended to apply only to tribes who lost lands under the General Allotment Act of 1887(GAA). S. 1703 allows tribes to benefit from the advantages of the land-into-trust program that were never intended to be part of this program.
This amendment needs to be rejected on it's lack of merit, and future negative fiscal and societal consequences. Let's find an equitable/sustainable way to balance Native American, municipal, state and taxpayers' rights.
Summary:
The "Carcieri fix" is a proposal fueled by special interests that sets-up an on-going and increasingly conflicted paradigm between native american tribes, private property owners, municipalities and special interests.
The pragmatic reality is that federal trust title removes lands from local government jurisdiction and the property tax rolls. Therefore, tax bases shrink and conflicts due to competing jurisdiction issues are raised causing additional burden to taxpayers. Also, the bill (below) intends to let all federally recognized tribes take advantage of the provisions to take private property into federal trust title. These land-into-trust provisions were originally intended to apply only to tribes who lost lands under the General Allotment Act of 1887(GAA). S. 1703 allows tribes to benefit from the advantages of the land-into-trust program that were never intended to be part of this program.
This amendment needs to be rejected on it's lack of merit, and future negative fiscal and societal consequences. Let's find an equitable/sustainable way to balance Native American, municipal, state and taxpayers' rights.
Summary:
| 9/24/2009--Introduced. Amends the Act commonly known as the Indian Reorganization Act to apply the Act to all federally recognized Indian tribes, regardless of when any tribe became recognized. (This effectively overrules the Supreme Court's decision in Carcieri v. Salazar, which held that the Secretary of the Interior could not take land into trust for a specified tribe because that tribe had not been under federal jurisdiction when the Act was enacted.) |
Text of Legislation:
Full Text of Legislation
S 1703 IS
111th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 1703
To amend the Act of June 18, 1934, to reaffirm the authority of the Secretary of the Interior to take land into trust for Indian tribes.
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
September 24, 2009
September 24, 2009
Mr. DORGAN (for himself, Mr. TESTER, Mr. INOUYE, Mr. AKAKA, Mr. BAUCUS, Mr. UDALL of New Mexico, Mr. BINGAMAN, and Mr. FRANKEN) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs
A BILL
To amend the Act of June 18, 1934, to reaffirm the authority of the Secretary of the Interior to take land into trust for Indian tribes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. MODIFICATION OF DEFINITION.
(a) In General- Section 19 of the Act of June 18, 1934 (commonly known as the ‘Indian Reorganization Act’) (25 U.S.C. 479), is amended--
(1) in the first sentence--
(A) by striking ‘The term’ and inserting ‘Effective beginning on June 18, 1934, the term’; and
(B) by striking ‘any recognized Indian tribe now under Federal jurisdiction’ and inserting ‘any federally recognized Indian tribe’; and
(2) by striking the third sentence and inserting the following: ‘In this section, the term ‘Indian tribe’ means any Indian or Alaska Native tribe, band, nation, pueblo, village, or community that the Secretary of the Interior acknowledges to exist as an Indian tribe.’.
(b) Effective Date- The amendments made by subsection (a) shall take effect as if included in the Act of June 18, 1934 (commonly known as the ‘Indian Reorganization Act’) (25 U.S.C. 479), on the date of enactment of that Act.
Full Text of Legislation
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Final Answer: "Khazei"
Khazei for US Senate
Alan is one of the two extraordinary democratic candidates that I have considered to vote for in the primary on December 8, 2009. All four candidates are very accomplished in their own right. I have taken time to study their work, vision and proposals for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the United States.
The office of US Senate is not to be taken lightly, nor to be won handily by the best political operatives and insiders. The character, temperament, experiences, skills and vision of the candidates will influence the lives of millions.
Early in the race, I gravitated toward Congressman Capuano who is a fierce advocate for his district, the Commonwealth and progressive democratic values. As the campaigns matured and I had the privilege of having Mr. Khazei reach out to me personally I found myself listening and watching with curiosity and interest to someone with a refreshing perspective.
Mr. Khazei speaks to my life experience, our shared determination, my concerns for my family's future, and our shared experiences with volunteerism, my abhorrence of the power of special interests (lobbyists, corporations and PACs) within our political system, and a vision for a more equitable and therefore more prosperous future. His enthusiasm is contagious and it springs from the same spiritual center that in us all. There is joy in toiling when the work is for the greater good. There is fun in the chores that reap mutual benefits. There is nobility in serving family, community and others.
Please join me in voting for Alan Khazei (Democrat) US Senate, on Tuesday, December 8, 2009.
Friday, December 4, 2009
The Case For The Commonwealth Against Slots and Casinos
Media Advisory
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Kathleen Conley Norbut, M.Ed., LMHC
President
USS Mass - United to Stop Slots in Massachusetts
The Case for the Commonwealth Against Slots & Casinos
Thursday December 10, 2009, 7pm-8:30PM
Faneuil Hall, Boston, Massachusetts
WHAT: “The Case for the Commonwealth Against Slots & Casinos” is a forum at Faneuil Hall in Boston, with noted civic and political leaders, to discuss the proposals to legalize state-sponsored predatory gambling, slot machines and casinos in Massachusetts.
WHO: Sponsored by the USS Mass Coalition, the panel will include:
- Governor and Mrs. Michael Dukakis
- Former Attorney General Scott Harshbarger
- Kathleen Conley Norbut, President of USS Mass
- Jim Rubens, Granite State Coalition Against Expanded Gambling
- Honorable State Senator Susan Tucker
Alan Khazei, co-founder of City Year, as the Master of Ceremonies.
The Rev. Dr. Peter D. Weaver, Bishop of the United Methodist Church- New England Conference, will offer the Invocation.
WHEN: Thursday, December 10, 2009, 7:00- 8:30pm
WHERE: Faneuil Hall, 1 Faneuil Hall Square, Boston, MA.
Blue line to Aquarium/Faneuil Hall, Green Line to Government Center, or Orange line to State Street.
CONTACT: Kathleen Conley Norbut, ussmass@gmail.com to arrange interviews
with panelists, or details on visuals, taping and recording the event.
USS Mass – United to Stop Slots in Massachusetts is the up-growth of concerned citizens, taxpayers, activists and statewide organizations across the political spectrum opposed to predatory gambling in the Commonwealth. We are a non-profit, non-partisan organization that has been working diligently to organize and educate citizens and Legislators on the facts about the economic and social costs of legalizing predatory gambling in the Commonwealth. No state that has legalized predatory slot machines has solved their fiscal problems.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Truth to Brian Lees
Dear Brian,
I miss the days when it was rumored that you used to ask "how much will it cost the taxpayers?" on the floor of the State Senate.
Slots/casinos are long-term economic drain. In your OpEd in the Globe you failed to mention the other side of the balance sheet...the costs.
Please see the lists of municipal impacts developed by the Western MA Casino Task Force. It is unfortunate that so many Springfield pols are not doing due diligence on this matter and have signed onto the big PAC campaign bandwagon without regard to the potential impacts. Have you considered the impacts on the courts? Where will the funds come from to mitigate additional problems?
Your OpEd also failed to articulate that the previously estimated billion dollars in gambling revenues that goes out of state has greatly diminished with the recession. Even if $700 million in gambling revenues left the Commonwealth only the Adjusted Net Gambling Revenues (ANGR) are taxed and "recaptured". Less than $90 million could be recaptured, the hit to the lottery is estimated at $80 million and we haven't even begun to disuss mitigation and the development of an additional government bureaucracy, The Gambling Regulatory Control Commission.
I hope you re-evaluate your position and math on these one-sided proposals. No one can validly state these proposals are good for the taxpayers. Only special interests groups, developers, owners and the pols that serve them benefit.
Small businesses, environment, public safety, infrastructure, education budgets and families suffer.
Regards,
Kathleen
I miss the days when it was rumored that you used to ask "how much will it cost the taxpayers?" on the floor of the State Senate.
Slots/casinos are long-term economic drain. In your OpEd in the Globe you failed to mention the other side of the balance sheet...the costs.
Please see the lists of municipal impacts developed by the Western MA Casino Task Force. It is unfortunate that so many Springfield pols are not doing due diligence on this matter and have signed onto the big PAC campaign bandwagon without regard to the potential impacts. Have you considered the impacts on the courts? Where will the funds come from to mitigate additional problems?
Your OpEd also failed to articulate that the previously estimated billion dollars in gambling revenues that goes out of state has greatly diminished with the recession. Even if $700 million in gambling revenues left the Commonwealth only the Adjusted Net Gambling Revenues (ANGR) are taxed and "recaptured". Less than $90 million could be recaptured, the hit to the lottery is estimated at $80 million and we haven't even begun to disuss mitigation and the development of an additional government bureaucracy, The Gambling Regulatory Control Commission.
I hope you re-evaluate your position and math on these one-sided proposals. No one can validly state these proposals are good for the taxpayers. Only special interests groups, developers, owners and the pols that serve them benefit.
Small businesses, environment, public safety, infrastructure, education budgets and families suffer.
Regards,
Kathleen
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Senator Brewer and Representative Smola Come Through
The following letter was sent to Senator Rosenberg and the Chairs of the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies on behalf of the Western MA Casino Task Force. I just received it today, one day after sending them an email pushing for this action that they had already taken. Thank you!!!COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
MASSACHUSETTS SENATE
STATE HOUSE. BOSTON 02133-1053
SENATOR STEPHEN M. BREWER
WAYS AND MEANS. (VICE CHAIR)
PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY, (VICE CHAIR)
November 4, 2009
The Honorable Stanley C. Rosenberg
State House, Room 320
Boston, MA 02133
Dear Senator Rosenberg:
We are writing on behalf of the Western Massachusetts Casino Task Force (Task Force) (Contact: Edward S. Harrison, Chairman, 60 Congress Street, Springfield, MA 01104; Telephone: 413-267-XXXX), relative to its list of concerns on the expanded gaming issue in Massachusetts. It is our understanding that the Task Force has compiled a list of high priority concerns they have relative to the expanded gaming issue. It is our further understanding that the Task Force has outlined specific concerns, some of which includes performing a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis, public safety, and addressing the impact expanded gaming would have on the environment (see enclosure).
We would appreciate your reviewing the Task Force's concerns before drafting a final bill on this subject. It would also be appreciated if you would keep us apprised of your efforts in this regard. If you have any questions relative to this matter, please do not hesitate to contact either one of
us.
Thank you for your attention to and consideration of this matter.
Sincerely,
STEPHEN M. BREWER
State Senator
TODD M. SMOLA
State Representative
Enclosures
Truth to Bobby
Dear Ms. Marfione,
Would you kindly share the below email message with Mr. Haynes? Best wishes for a blessed Thanksgiving.
“What does labor want?
We want more school houses and less jails.
More books and less guns.
More learning and less vice.
More leisure and less greed.
More justice and less revenge.
We want more ... opportunities to cultivate our better natures.”
Samuel Gompers Memorial
San Antonio, Texas
Samuel Gompers (January 27, 1850 – December 13, 1924) was an American labor union leader and a key figure in American labor history. Gompers founded the American Federation of Labor (AFL), and served as the AFL's president from 1886-1894 and from 1895 until his death in 1924. He promoted harmony among the different craft unions that were comprised by the AFL, trying to minimize jurisdictional battles. He promoted "thorough" organization and collective bargaining to secure shorter hours and higher wages, the first essential steps, he believed, to emancipating labor. He also encouraged the AFL to take political action to "elect their friends" and "defeat their enemies." During World War I, Gompers and the AFL worked with the government to avoid strikes and boost morale, without undermining union wage and hour standards. During that period, the AFL saw membership rise.
Dear Mr. Haynes,
I hope this will give you pause to reflect over the Thanksgiving holidays about the founding principles of the Commonwealth and the Labor movement that are in direct opposition to predatory gambling. Oppression of one group of people for the alleged benefit of others is wrong. Working and middle class families should not be strapped with the additional burden of subsidizing the known negative impacts of slots/casinos. The long-term economic drain and human sacrifices do not justify the temporary construction phase.
Respectfully,
Kathleen Conley Norbut
Monson
Would you kindly share the below email message with Mr. Haynes? Best wishes for a blessed Thanksgiving.
“What does labor want?
We want more school houses and less jails.
More books and less guns.
More learning and less vice.
More leisure and less greed.
More justice and less revenge.
We want more ... opportunities to cultivate our better natures.”
Samuel Gompers Memorial
San Antonio, Texas
Samuel Gompers (January 27, 1850 – December 13, 1924) was an American labor union leader and a key figure in American labor history. Gompers founded the American Federation of Labor (AFL), and served as the AFL's president from 1886-1894 and from 1895 until his death in 1924. He promoted harmony among the different craft unions that were comprised by the AFL, trying to minimize jurisdictional battles. He promoted "thorough" organization and collective bargaining to secure shorter hours and higher wages, the first essential steps, he believed, to emancipating labor. He also encouraged the AFL to take political action to "elect their friends" and "defeat their enemies." During World War I, Gompers and the AFL worked with the government to avoid strikes and boost morale, without undermining union wage and hour standards. During that period, the AFL saw membership rise.
Dear Mr. Haynes,
I hope this will give you pause to reflect over the Thanksgiving holidays about the founding principles of the Commonwealth and the Labor movement that are in direct opposition to predatory gambling. Oppression of one group of people for the alleged benefit of others is wrong. Working and middle class families should not be strapped with the additional burden of subsidizing the known negative impacts of slots/casinos. The long-term economic drain and human sacrifices do not justify the temporary construction phase.
Respectfully,
Kathleen Conley Norbut
Monson
Monday, November 23, 2009
Please take a stand
Dear Senator Brewer and Representative Ashe,
While I am aware that you do not set the calendar for the legislature, I am writing to you to let you know my sentiments about the recent end of the formal session and the failure of the legislature to address issues of grave importance currently on the table.
Average people are suffering from unemployment, underemployment and having to work brutal hours to make up for months of lost wages. All of the above scenarios we have experienced in my immediate and wider family. The Legislature - especially leadership, appear to be out of touch with the realities of the taxpayers struggles.
Today's Republican editorial is something that I hope you will consider and share with your colleagues.
For example, instead of implementing a tax-free zone along the NH border to save retail jobs and stimulate growth in the Commonwealth a higher sales tax was enacted. Thereby increasing the Massachusetts flight into CT as well as NH. This defies common sense.
Egregious behavior by lawmakers continues with failure to inform citizens the truth that only ANGR (Adjusted Net Gaming Revenues) that go out of state would be taxed for a net "recapture" of less than $90-100 million dollars - minus another $80 million dollar drop in the Lottery and the addition of another multi-million dollar bureaucracy. Legislators spread misinformation when talking about a "billion dollars of gambling revenues going out of state that we are losing".
Why are we not seeing the call for an independent cost-benefit analysis which is the primary recommendation of the Western MA Casino Task Force? I believe that it is your duty to bring this forward to legislative leadership, committee members, your peers and the wider public.
Why are we not seeing substantive discussion about the long-term economic drain, impacts to families, courts, municipal budgets? I spent two days last week at Foxwoods for a work-related conference and it was quite revealing to see the low attendance and the misery on people's faces as they stared alone and isolated at slot machines.
Should my family have to supplement the social and municipal costs of predatory gambling either through our taxes or further decline in quality of life to subsidize special interests?
Perhaps, I need to ask you more clearly and directly to call for an independet cost-benefit analysis before legalizing additional predatory gambling, slots/casinos as your constituent and long time supporter?
Please take a stand to declare the need for an independent cost-benefit analysis before legalizing addtional predatory gambling, slots/casinos in the Commonwealth.
Thank you in advance for your consideration. I send you and your family blessings for a lovely Thanksgiving holiday.
Warm regards,
Kathleen
While I am aware that you do not set the calendar for the legislature, I am writing to you to let you know my sentiments about the recent end of the formal session and the failure of the legislature to address issues of grave importance currently on the table.
Average people are suffering from unemployment, underemployment and having to work brutal hours to make up for months of lost wages. All of the above scenarios we have experienced in my immediate and wider family. The Legislature - especially leadership, appear to be out of touch with the realities of the taxpayers struggles.
Today's Republican editorial is something that I hope you will consider and share with your colleagues.
For example, instead of implementing a tax-free zone along the NH border to save retail jobs and stimulate growth in the Commonwealth a higher sales tax was enacted. Thereby increasing the Massachusetts flight into CT as well as NH. This defies common sense.
Egregious behavior by lawmakers continues with failure to inform citizens the truth that only ANGR (Adjusted Net Gaming Revenues) that go out of state would be taxed for a net "recapture" of less than $90-100 million dollars - minus another $80 million dollar drop in the Lottery and the addition of another multi-million dollar bureaucracy. Legislators spread misinformation when talking about a "billion dollars of gambling revenues going out of state that we are losing".
Why are we not seeing the call for an independent cost-benefit analysis which is the primary recommendation of the Western MA Casino Task Force? I believe that it is your duty to bring this forward to legislative leadership, committee members, your peers and the wider public.
Why are we not seeing substantive discussion about the long-term economic drain, impacts to families, courts, municipal budgets? I spent two days last week at Foxwoods for a work-related conference and it was quite revealing to see the low attendance and the misery on people's faces as they stared alone and isolated at slot machines.
Should my family have to supplement the social and municipal costs of predatory gambling either through our taxes or further decline in quality of life to subsidize special interests?
Perhaps, I need to ask you more clearly and directly to call for an independet cost-benefit analysis before legalizing additional predatory gambling, slots/casinos as your constituent and long time supporter?
Please take a stand to declare the need for an independent cost-benefit analysis before legalizing addtional predatory gambling, slots/casinos in the Commonwealth.
Thank you in advance for your consideration. I send you and your family blessings for a lovely Thanksgiving holiday.
Warm regards,
Kathleen
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Eagles and Ducks
November 18, 2009
US Senate Candidates Khazei and Capuano endorse independent cost-benefit analysis before legalizing slots/casinos.(Boston) – United to Stop Slots in Massachusetts (USS Mass) a non-partisan statewide coalition announced today that it has received responses from two of the US Senate candidates to the questionnaire that was sent to candidates in October. “US Senate candidate Alan Khazei promptly returned the questionnaire and Congressman Michael Capuano filed his responses with our organization on Tuesday, November 17, 2009,” reported Kathleen Conley Norbut, President, United to Stop Slots in Massachusetts.
Despite an extension and reminders from USS Mass, four of the candidates (COAKLEY THE AG responsible for public and consumer safety! Pagliuca - it seems like the campaign may be a just a hobby. Brown - who fails the fiscal conservative test on this one by supporting slot parlors/racinos and expansion of government with the development of a new bureaucracy the Gaming Regulatory Control - hackocracy and taxpayer subsidizes costs of impacts and Jack E. Robinson) failed to respond to the questionnaire, which leaves taxpayers wondering if they understand the magnitude of the impacts of the proliferation of predatory gambling upon local economies, state and national policy. Each candidate was asked four questions regarding expanding predatory gambling including two questions about their position on the far-reaching implications of the Supreme Court decision in February 2009 relevant to native American tribes bringing lands into trust; the National Gambling Impact Study Commission Report recommendations which included a moratorium on slot/casino gambling in the United States and their position regarding a proposed independent cost-benefit analysis before legalizing any expanded predatory gambling, slots/casinos in the Commonwealth.
The candidate’s responses reveal that Mr. Khazei expressed his strong support for an independent cost-benefit analysis before legalizing any expansion of predatory gambling, slots/casinos with a detailed description of the depth of his knowledge and concerns about the costs associated with the slots/casino industry, “While we must commit ourselves to creating jobs and while monetary costs and benefits must be measured, we must not lose sight of what we treasure most in life. We must ask ourselves if casino gambling is worth it even at the expense of those among us who are most vulnerable.”
Congressman Capuano supports the proposed independent cost-benefit analysis before legalizing slots/casinos for the purpose of quantifying job creation. He expressed hesitation that there would be significant job creation with slot facilities. Congressman Capuano expressed sensitivity for Native Americans and a desire to see more non-casino job creation on reservations, “It is important to be sensitive to issues of identity and self-definition, with regard to Native Americans and, indeed, to all persons. That said, the larger community is affected by decisions governing recourse to the Indian Reorganization Act.”
“We are pleased that two candidates chose not to duck these controversial issues by taking the time to address these matters that impact economic, public health, consumer protection, safety and future decisions for the Commonwealth and the nation,” stated Ms. Norbut. The full text of the candidates responses are posted on the USS Mass website.
######
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
The League of Women Voters Joins USS Mass
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|
Shout out to Charlie Pierce
Ya just can't make up this stuff! Let me preface this must read article with a shout out to the members of the USS Mass coalition who have been tracking the misinformation pattern and the misuse of public funds/institutions for the benefit of the slots/casino industry.
A dubious hand
A casino expert has too many cards in play.
By Charles P. Pierce
November 15, 2009
Dear Professor Clyde Barrow: First of all, you’ve got guts. It takes a rare
kind of fortitude to throw yourself behind the proposition of casino
gambling here in Massachusetts while having the same name as the bandit --
the two-armed bandit, that is -- played by Warren Beatty in that movie where
Faye Dunaway was young Bonnie Parker. (Given how deftly the Patrick
administration thus far has handled this issue, I’m surprised we haven’t
seen an earnest disquisition on the morality of gambling from Father Jesse
James, SJ.) Now, I don’t wish to cast aspersions about your academic work at
UMass-Dartmouth on behalf of the Fleece the Suckers Act of Whenever. Others
have done that, of course, most notably the people who noticed you were also
in the employ of a gaming proponent who wants to build a casino in New
Hampshire. However, this does present something of a conundrum. You have
long maintained we need casinos here to keep our local sheep in the pen,
rather than sending them off to get shorn in Connecticut. So now the Patrick
administration has embraced your study as a means to help it build casinos,
while you’re helping other folks build one north of the border. It seems
logical, therefore, to conclude that you could find an economic reason to
build a casino almost anywhere, up to and including the bottom of Cape Cod
Bay. Perhaps that could be the plot of the upcoming thriller: Oceans 1, or
Deval and Clyde.
A dubious hand
A casino expert has too many cards in play.
By Charles P. Pierce
November 15, 2009
Dear Professor Clyde Barrow: First of all, you’ve got guts. It takes a rare
kind of fortitude to throw yourself behind the proposition of casino
gambling here in Massachusetts while having the same name as the bandit --
the two-armed bandit, that is -- played by Warren Beatty in that movie where
Faye Dunaway was young Bonnie Parker. (Given how deftly the Patrick
administration thus far has handled this issue, I’m surprised we haven’t
seen an earnest disquisition on the morality of gambling from Father Jesse
James, SJ.) Now, I don’t wish to cast aspersions about your academic work at
UMass-Dartmouth on behalf of the Fleece the Suckers Act of Whenever. Others
have done that, of course, most notably the people who noticed you were also
in the employ of a gaming proponent who wants to build a casino in New
Hampshire. However, this does present something of a conundrum. You have
long maintained we need casinos here to keep our local sheep in the pen,
rather than sending them off to get shorn in Connecticut. So now the Patrick
administration has embraced your study as a means to help it build casinos,
while you’re helping other folks build one north of the border. It seems
logical, therefore, to conclude that you could find an economic reason to
build a casino almost anywhere, up to and including the bottom of Cape Cod
Bay. Perhaps that could be the plot of the upcoming thriller: Oceans 1, or
Deval and Clyde.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Nothing is Transparent
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kathleen Conley Norbut, M.Ed., LMHC
United to Stop Slots in Massachusetts, President
USS Mass
PO Box 376
Palmer, MA 01069
ussmass@gmail.com
Pro-predatory Gambling Legislators Conduct Business Behind Closed Doors
(Boston) – United to Stop Slots in Massachusetts (USS Mass) a non-partisan statewide coalition criticizes pro-predatory gambling legislators as they conduct business behind closed doors with a recent forum on slots/casinos at the statehouse. “The work of “the people” seems to exclude “the people” of the Commonwealth when it comes to slots/casinos as evidenced when pro-predatory gambling legislators met on Monday in a closed forum on Beacon Hill,” stated Kathleen Conley Norbut, President of USS Mass. Organizers defended their actions to hide public officials from the public so they would, “feel comfortable to ask any questions without having any type of criticism.” Legislators give speeches about transparency yet they have crafted a double standard for their conveniences and are not bound by the same rules as local officials by Open Meeting Laws.
Elected officials should not be shielded from taxpayer’s questions and criticisms when it comes to discussing legalizing gambling activities that derive the vast majority of revenue from addicted individuals; are historically wrought with graft, political corruption and criminal activities. As offensive as these actions are to the citizens of the Commonwealth, closed door discussions and one-sided presentations have been common practice in the debate about legalizing expanded predatory gambling. Opponents of predatory gambling and local officials concerned about negative impacts to their communities were not included in the senate informational hearing in June. Concerned citizens were ignored by Administration officials two years ago when requests were made to meet to discuss the flawed legislation submitted by the Governor. The July 4th middle of the night legalization of predatory gambling by politicians in Pennsylvania was not a beacon of democracy.
Lobbyists are on-track to spend over $1 million dollars this year to influence the legislature to expand predatory gambling with slots/casinos in the Commonwealth. Meanwhile the Mass. Council on Compulsive Gambling budget was recently slashed, drastically reducing the safety net needed to treat the human tragedies created by compulsive gambling. The Beacon Hill formula has not changed; quick fixes, closed doors meetings, lobbyists fronting for deep-pocketed out-of-state and foreign investors, misinformation about revenues and job creation.
Labor unions have threatened to withhold support to long-time Democratic legislators and traditional allies to pressure them to support their short-term interests for construction jobs. A handful of legislators have pressured labor unions to support their minute special interest group, track owners. These antics occur despite the reality that there is no upside for substantive construction jobs and many of the track jobs are not unionized. Legislative leadership has expanded their thinking to support expanding predatory gambling stating that jobs are needed, but they willfully ignore the long-term economic drain of slots/casinos including the documented subsidies by taxpayers in states with legalized slots/casinos for social, public safety and infrastructure costs created by the industry. Pro-predatory gambling legislators serve on Advisory Committees to UMass public policy centers while also setting the budgets for these facilities and the people who perform the limited research on slots/casinos.
Governor Patrick initiated the race to the bottom with his declaration of support for casinos. United to Stop Slots in Massachusetts therefore calls upon the Governor and the Legislature to perform independent cost-benefit analysis before any steps are taken to legalize an industry that creates greater long-term negative fiscal costs than it renders in benefits.
######
Contact: Kathleen Conley Norbut, M.Ed., LMHC
United to Stop Slots in Massachusetts, President
USS Mass
PO Box 376
Palmer, MA 01069
ussmass@gmail.com
Pro-predatory Gambling Legislators Conduct Business Behind Closed Doors
(Boston) – United to Stop Slots in Massachusetts (USS Mass) a non-partisan statewide coalition criticizes pro-predatory gambling legislators as they conduct business behind closed doors with a recent forum on slots/casinos at the statehouse. “The work of “the people” seems to exclude “the people” of the Commonwealth when it comes to slots/casinos as evidenced when pro-predatory gambling legislators met on Monday in a closed forum on Beacon Hill,” stated Kathleen Conley Norbut, President of USS Mass. Organizers defended their actions to hide public officials from the public so they would, “feel comfortable to ask any questions without having any type of criticism.” Legislators give speeches about transparency yet they have crafted a double standard for their conveniences and are not bound by the same rules as local officials by Open Meeting Laws.
Elected officials should not be shielded from taxpayer’s questions and criticisms when it comes to discussing legalizing gambling activities that derive the vast majority of revenue from addicted individuals; are historically wrought with graft, political corruption and criminal activities. As offensive as these actions are to the citizens of the Commonwealth, closed door discussions and one-sided presentations have been common practice in the debate about legalizing expanded predatory gambling. Opponents of predatory gambling and local officials concerned about negative impacts to their communities were not included in the senate informational hearing in June. Concerned citizens were ignored by Administration officials two years ago when requests were made to meet to discuss the flawed legislation submitted by the Governor. The July 4th middle of the night legalization of predatory gambling by politicians in Pennsylvania was not a beacon of democracy.
Lobbyists are on-track to spend over $1 million dollars this year to influence the legislature to expand predatory gambling with slots/casinos in the Commonwealth. Meanwhile the Mass. Council on Compulsive Gambling budget was recently slashed, drastically reducing the safety net needed to treat the human tragedies created by compulsive gambling. The Beacon Hill formula has not changed; quick fixes, closed doors meetings, lobbyists fronting for deep-pocketed out-of-state and foreign investors, misinformation about revenues and job creation.
The only thing clear about what is happening on Beacon Hill is that nothing is transparent
Labor unions have threatened to withhold support to long-time Democratic legislators and traditional allies to pressure them to support their short-term interests for construction jobs. A handful of legislators have pressured labor unions to support their minute special interest group, track owners. These antics occur despite the reality that there is no upside for substantive construction jobs and many of the track jobs are not unionized. Legislative leadership has expanded their thinking to support expanding predatory gambling stating that jobs are needed, but they willfully ignore the long-term economic drain of slots/casinos including the documented subsidies by taxpayers in states with legalized slots/casinos for social, public safety and infrastructure costs created by the industry. Pro-predatory gambling legislators serve on Advisory Committees to UMass public policy centers while also setting the budgets for these facilities and the people who perform the limited research on slots/casinos.
Governor Patrick initiated the race to the bottom with his declaration of support for casinos. United to Stop Slots in Massachusetts therefore calls upon the Governor and the Legislature to perform independent cost-benefit analysis before any steps are taken to legalize an industry that creates greater long-term negative fiscal costs than it renders in benefits.
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Monday, November 9, 2009
MASC Proposed Resolution
Inquiring minds want to know who brought forth the proposed Resolution for the MASC to support casino gambling revenues to fund education? $5.00 D&D gift certificate to the person who squeals. Let's just hope it wasn't a certain SC member who is profiting from his relationship with a certain slots/casino predatory gambling outfit. Conflicts of interest abound.
Here's the version of the Resolution that should be considered by the MASC:
Here's the version of the Resolution that should be considered by the MASC:
Resolution – Amendment MASC Delegate Convention
November 2009
Whereas the MASC has a long and proud tradition of advocating for public education, working for policies that promote the health and wholeness of all young people, and fighting to garner adequate and sustainable funding to support best practices and pedagogy for comprehensive public education;
And whereas the impacts of expanded gambling in other states provide evidence of long-term economic drain, increased student drop-out rates in entire slot/casino host regions (35-50 mile radius), an increased incidence of problem gambling and gambling addiction among youth in these regions and increased fiscal burdens upon school budgets for entire host regions (35-50 mile radius);
And whereas modern slot machines use neuroscience-informed technology to mesmerize and entrap gamblers and to keep them playing until they have exhausted their resources ("playing to extinction");
And whereas medical research has documented the highly addictive nature of the brain's chemical reactions to slot machine stimulation;
And whereas evidence from other states indicates that the long-term costs of gambling addiction -- increased substance abuse, increased crime, increased family discord and dysfunction -- outweigh the short term benefits of licenses and gambling revenues;
Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Massachusetts Association of School Committees, as a matter of both principle and policy, opposes the legalization of slot machines and any similar efforts to promote addictive and predatory gambling as a means of raising public revenues and requests that an independent cost-benefit analysis of these proposals be performed before any expanding gambling is legalized in the Commonwealth. Public education cannot sustain any further fiscal negative impacts.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Predatory Gambling
Proponents do not dispute the long-term net economic drain.
Proponents do not dispute the predatory business model.
Proponents do not dispute that slots/casinos are different than social gambling.
Proponents do not even discuss the fiscal negative impacts on entire regions where slots/casinos are located.
Proponents do not dispute that fact that slots/casinos change everything.
Proponents do not call for a balanced independent cost-benefit analysis of short-term and long-term impacts....why not?
Proponents do not dispute the predatory business model.
Proponents do not dispute that slots/casinos are different than social gambling.
Proponents do not even discuss the fiscal negative impacts on entire regions where slots/casinos are located.
Proponents do not dispute that fact that slots/casinos change everything.
Proponents do not call for a balanced independent cost-benefit analysis of short-term and long-term impacts....why not?
Friday, November 6, 2009
MASC misguided?
Dear Monson School Committee Members:
It has been brought to my attention that the MASC has proposed endorsing slots/casinos in the Resolutions to be deliberated upon at the upcoming November 18-21, 2009 conference, page 25.
There must be an egregious misunderstanding of the fiscal impacts of slots/casinos upon the state and local budgets by the MASC board members to consider putting this issue before the delegates. No state with legalized slots/casinos has solved their budgetary and educational needs through legalizing predatory gambling. I am guilty as charged in the recent letter in the Journal Register by a Palmer resident of my "excessive use of statistics" to support my research findings which conclude that these businesses are long-term economic drains on entire regions and the state. The state of California released a report documenting 1Bilion dollars per year spent by taxpayers for the costs associated to slots/casino gambling. $4.5 Billion dollars per year are taxed to Australian citizens for the costs associated with slots/casino gambling as reported in their government's recently released 10 year impact study of slots/casinos.
In the Spectrum Gaming report commissioned by Governor Patrick and funded by taxpayers ($189,000) the only community featured, of the 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts, was the Town of Monson. I was asked by the industry "experts" to provide information on the impacts to education. The report highlights the irrefutable negative fiscal impacts. The report failed however, to extrapolate the potential negative impacts to the entire Commonwealth and provide a statewide cost-benefit analysis.
No legislation has been crafted that provides sufficient mitigation to the municipal and education impacts to the regions affected. No legislation has been crafted that includes representation of impacted districts as decision makers. The proponents only discuss one side of the balance sheet. Public education in Massachusetts cannot afford to take a myopic position on this issue.
Simply put, there is not enough revenue generated to the state by slots/casinos to offset the costs.
The Western MA Casino Task Force's (comprised of 15 communities in the Quaboag Valley and founded by the Monson Board of Selectmen) top recommendation is an independent cost-benefit analysis of the slots/casinos proposals before expanding any gambling in the Commonwealth.
More disheartening is the apparent ignorance of the MASC board to the impacts of expanded gambling upon youth. I believe that there may be many well intentioned people who are unaware of these issues. Young people including young adults, are cognitively and emotionally underdeveloped to discern between the allure of gambling and the risks. Youth are the highest risk group for gambling addiction. The executive director assured me that this is a normal process for the delegates to consider potential revenue streams. I asked if the executive board would be interested in learning more about the long-term costs to taxpayers, impacts to municipalities and education. He said he didn't know.
I was wondering this morning if the MASC would consider a Resolution to have state sponsored doubling of alcoholism and paying more taxes to support the devastation, while not garnering any additional funds to improve education? Does that sound absurd? Of course it does and yet it is the same model as legalizing state sponsored predatory gambling slots/casinos.
Let's hope they learned from the MTA's mistaken endorsement of the bogus job and revenue projections in the Governor's legislation.
Please contact the Executive Director and MASC Board Members to voice your objection to this wrong-headed proposal on behalf of our community and the future of education funding.
Thank you in advance for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Kathleen
It has been brought to my attention that the MASC has proposed endorsing slots/casinos in the Resolutions to be deliberated upon at the upcoming November 18-21, 2009 conference, page 25.
There must be an egregious misunderstanding of the fiscal impacts of slots/casinos upon the state and local budgets by the MASC board members to consider putting this issue before the delegates. No state with legalized slots/casinos has solved their budgetary and educational needs through legalizing predatory gambling. I am guilty as charged in the recent letter in the Journal Register by a Palmer resident of my "excessive use of statistics" to support my research findings which conclude that these businesses are long-term economic drains on entire regions and the state. The state of California released a report documenting 1Bilion dollars per year spent by taxpayers for the costs associated to slots/casino gambling. $4.5 Billion dollars per year are taxed to Australian citizens for the costs associated with slots/casino gambling as reported in their government's recently released 10 year impact study of slots/casinos.
In the Spectrum Gaming report commissioned by Governor Patrick and funded by taxpayers ($189,000) the only community featured, of the 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts, was the Town of Monson. I was asked by the industry "experts" to provide information on the impacts to education. The report highlights the irrefutable negative fiscal impacts. The report failed however, to extrapolate the potential negative impacts to the entire Commonwealth and provide a statewide cost-benefit analysis.
No legislation has been crafted that provides sufficient mitigation to the municipal and education impacts to the regions affected. No legislation has been crafted that includes representation of impacted districts as decision makers. The proponents only discuss one side of the balance sheet. Public education in Massachusetts cannot afford to take a myopic position on this issue.
Simply put, there is not enough revenue generated to the state by slots/casinos to offset the costs.
The Western MA Casino Task Force's (comprised of 15 communities in the Quaboag Valley and founded by the Monson Board of Selectmen) top recommendation is an independent cost-benefit analysis of the slots/casinos proposals before expanding any gambling in the Commonwealth.
More disheartening is the apparent ignorance of the MASC board to the impacts of expanded gambling upon youth. I believe that there may be many well intentioned people who are unaware of these issues. Young people including young adults, are cognitively and emotionally underdeveloped to discern between the allure of gambling and the risks. Youth are the highest risk group for gambling addiction. The executive director assured me that this is a normal process for the delegates to consider potential revenue streams. I asked if the executive board would be interested in learning more about the long-term costs to taxpayers, impacts to municipalities and education. He said he didn't know.
I was wondering this morning if the MASC would consider a Resolution to have state sponsored doubling of alcoholism and paying more taxes to support the devastation, while not garnering any additional funds to improve education? Does that sound absurd? Of course it does and yet it is the same model as legalizing state sponsored predatory gambling slots/casinos.
Let's hope they learned from the MTA's mistaken endorsement of the bogus job and revenue projections in the Governor's legislation.
Please contact the Executive Director and MASC Board Members to voice your objection to this wrong-headed proposal on behalf of our community and the future of education funding.
Thank you in advance for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Kathleen
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Monday, November 2, 2009
Misinformational Gambling Forum
Save the Date
Misinformational Gambling Forum
Monday, November 9th
10:30am
A-2
Following a disappointing reception at last week's predatory gambling hearing where Statehouse News declared that "casinos are not a done deal", proponents backed by deep pocketed special interests and lobbyists are seeking to sell their one-sided proposals to their peers (again).
Despite the clear evidence that revenues are down and no independent cost-benefit analysis has been conducted by the Administration or the Legislature, some parties still insist that temporary construction jobs for the minority, doubling problem and addicted gambling (with associated legal, medical, family and social costs) for hundreds of thousands, instituting a permanent expansion of government with a permanent tax subsidy for slots/casinos is a good idea. All this and more expenses during a time of brutal state, local and personal financial losses.
Apparently, proponents have not read the CT DORS report (June 2009) that details the negative impacts to the entire host region where the predatory gambling casinos are sprawled. Apparently, proponents have not read the Aussie report (October 2009) that details the tax costs of $210 US dollars to every Australian adult in the country to fund the impacts of slots "pokies"/casinos. Or, that 80% of the population want to rid the country of slots "pokies"/casinos.
Apparently, proponents have not heard that a casino consultant for Suffolk Downs testified at the June 2009 state senate informational hearing that the markets to borrow (for large capital projects) are essentially closed and that cash flow is down, which means those big license fees are as overinflated as the job figures.
Apparently.
The above post is a spoof on the email sent to Legislators by proponents of predatory gambling.
Despite the clear evidence that revenues are down and no independent cost-benefit analysis has been conducted by the Administration or the Legislature, some parties still insist that temporary construction jobs for the minority, doubling problem and addicted gambling (with associated legal, medical, family and social costs) for hundreds of thousands, instituting a permanent expansion of government with a permanent tax subsidy for slots/casinos is a good idea. All this and more expenses during a time of brutal state, local and personal financial losses.
Apparently, proponents have not read the CT DORS report (June 2009) that details the negative impacts to the entire host region where the predatory gambling casinos are sprawled. Apparently, proponents have not read the Aussie report (October 2009) that details the tax costs of $210 US dollars to every Australian adult in the country to fund the impacts of slots "pokies"/casinos. Or, that 80% of the population want to rid the country of slots "pokies"/casinos.
Apparently, proponents have not heard that a casino consultant for Suffolk Downs testified at the June 2009 state senate informational hearing that the markets to borrow (for large capital projects) are essentially closed and that cash flow is down, which means those big license fees are as overinflated as the job figures.
Apparently.
The above post is a spoof on the email sent to Legislators by proponents of predatory gambling.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Independent Data-Driven Cost-Benefit Analysis
Date: Sunday, October 18, 2009, 9:21 AM
Dear Honorable Representatives,
I would like to thank you for beginning the process of taking an independent analysis of the expanded predatory gambling slot/casino issue with the development of a commission to review suitability of sites for any potential facilities. I would encourage you to consider a commission comprised of local officials, regional planners, economists and independent non-gambling analysts.
Prior to that step however, it is incumbent upon the Legislature and the Administration to appoint an independent cost-benefit analysis, similar to the recently formed commission by Governor Lynch, NH to study the models, short-term and long-term impacts of the industry.
During this difficult time of economic downturn, it may be tempting to look for a "quick fix" for jobs and revenues. However, the predatory gambling slot/casino industry is extremely complex, requires costly oversight and creates long-term economic drain. Please perform due diligence and commission a balanced if not independent data-driven, cost-benefit analysis of the proposals to expand gambling in the Commonwealth. A blue ribbon commission should not require tax dollars to perform it's task. The Western MA Casino Task Force has meet for over two years studying proposals to expand gambling, developed a ground-breaking summary of regional and local impacts with technical assistance from the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission and no funding for the on-going work...most of us have served without compensation.
As a former Selectman and member of the Western MA Casino Task Force, I have researched and found that slots/casinos have proven to be permanent, regressive solutions to a temporary economic problem. Once the door to slots is opened, it has never been shut in the US (Russian has re-criminalized slots due to the economic instability generated). Many states have set maximum numbers on facilities only to become dependent on the every increasing need to sponsor additional gambling for state coffers. The impacts to host regions must be quantified and mitigated along with the comprehensive costs to taxpayers to subsidize the industry that has unique
known negative impacts.
Dear Honorable Representatives,
I would like to thank you for beginning the process of taking an independent analysis of the expanded predatory gambling slot/casino issue with the development of a commission to review suitability of sites for any potential facilities. I would encourage you to consider a commission comprised of local officials, regional planners, economists and independent non-gambling analysts.
Prior to that step however, it is incumbent upon the Legislature and the Administration to appoint an independent cost-benefit analysis, similar to the recently formed commission by Governor Lynch, NH to study the models, short-term and long-term impacts of the industry.
During this difficult time of economic downturn, it may be tempting to look for a "quick fix" for jobs and revenues. However, the predatory gambling slot/casino industry is extremely complex, requires costly oversight and creates long-term economic drain. Please perform due diligence and commission a balanced if not independent data-driven, cost-benefit analysis of the proposals to expand gambling in the Commonwealth. A blue ribbon commission should not require tax dollars to perform it's task. The Western MA Casino Task Force has meet for over two years studying proposals to expand gambling, developed a ground-breaking summary of regional and local impacts with technical assistance from the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission and no funding for the on-going work...most of us have served without compensation.
As a former Selectman and member of the Western MA Casino Task Force, I have researched and found that slots/casinos have proven to be permanent, regressive solutions to a temporary economic problem. Once the door to slots is opened, it has never been shut in the US (Russian has re-criminalized slots due to the economic instability generated). Many states have set maximum numbers on facilities only to become dependent on the every increasing need to sponsor additional gambling for state coffers. The impacts to host regions must be quantified and mitigated along with the comprehensive costs to taxpayers to subsidize the industry that has unique
known negative impacts.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Guest speaker at Sudbury UMC
Guest speaker at Sudbury United Methodist Church
SUDBURY — On Sunday, Oct. 18 at 11 a.m. in the Davison Chapel at Sudbury United Methodist Church, a guest speaker from the Massachusetts Council of Churches will present facts about the state Legislature’s proposed bill to allow casino gambling in Massachusetts. A question-and-answer period will follow.
This event is sponsored by the church’s Social Justice Commission. Everyone interested in this topic is invited to attend.
Learn why the United Methodist Church considers gambling a "menace to society, deadly to the best interests of moral, social, economic and spiritual life, and destructive of good government." You will have the opportunity to sign a petition to Gov. Deval Patrick to voice your opposition to predatory gambling in the commonwealth.
The church is located at 251 Old Sudbury Road on Route 27, just east of Sudbury Center. For more information call 978-443-4351.
SUDBURY — On Sunday, Oct. 18 at 11 a.m. in the Davison Chapel at Sudbury United Methodist Church, a guest speaker from the Massachusetts Council of Churches will present facts about the state Legislature’s proposed bill to allow casino gambling in Massachusetts. A question-and-answer period will follow.
This event is sponsored by the church’s Social Justice Commission. Everyone interested in this topic is invited to attend.
Learn why the United Methodist Church considers gambling a "menace to society, deadly to the best interests of moral, social, economic and spiritual life, and destructive of good government." You will have the opportunity to sign a petition to Gov. Deval Patrick to voice your opposition to predatory gambling in the commonwealth.
The church is located at 251 Old Sudbury Road on Route 27, just east of Sudbury Center. For more information call 978-443-4351.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Mashantuckets, Mohegans and debts!
It seems that the horrific practices of predatory businesses and unregulated/under-regulated capitalism (commonly known as greed) that have whacked us with a brutal recession have been SOP for these folks according to the Norwich Bulletin.
Millions, billions owed
The Mashantuckets reportedly have debt obligations of more than $2 billion. The Mohegans have to repay $150 million in $30 million increments, beginning next year, the result of an agreement with the bank to retire a $330 million note.
Neither tribe can seek any of the options available to previous owners of Resorts. They cannot look for a buyer to take the load off their shoulders. Or sell off a gaming hall to reduce debt. The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act says only a tribe can own a casino, said Shawn P. Pensoneau, a spokesman for the National Indian Gaming Commission. If property is on the reservation, the land is owned and held in trust by the federal government.
So, truly this is not good financial news for the tribes, the state of CT, employees and the regions impacted. Why did it happen? Why were these casinos allowed to create and propagate phony prosperity?
Mohegan Sun faces similar approaches.
“We’ll have difficulty making those payments on the $150 million, so we are considering debt restructuring,” said Leo Chupaska, Mohegan Sun’s chief financial officer. “We are studying what we can do to take care of the issue.”
Is this why they recently retracted their statements about building a$1 Billion dollar casino in Palmer should Massachusetts be so short-sited and legalized slots? Can they build anything with this noose around their necks in a recession that has sucked the juice out of borrowing?
Like foreign nation
Barrow likens it to trying to collect on a debt from a foreign government.
“You can cut them off,” he said. “But if they do not have money, you can’t get blood from a stone.”
They may declare bankruptcy.
“But don’t expect an Obama bailout,” he said.
If banks are so inclined, they can write off the debt as they do for mortgages, restructure to lower interest rates, or lengthen the time to pay to back, Barrow said. Those steps are in the bank’s self-interest, since they cannot take over a casino.
Meantime, it’s business as usual, Chupaska said.
“We do not anticipate that the financial restructuring being considered by the tribe will affect our employees, customers, vendors or business partners,” he said. “The tribe does not plan to make any additional comments regarding this matter at this time.
NO COMMENT, of course.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Octoberfest
The weather's changing and silly season is upon us.
First, Mohegan Sun announces they are in the game for the low-chip price of $25-$50 million dollar licensing fees, no high roller $200-$250 million dollar entry fee for those boys.
Then, 10 Western MA legislators respond to the plea from labor to build a casino in Palmer, the real western MA - not to be confused with the abutting town of Warren (in Worcester County - boo!) by signing a pledge to not support casinos if it ain't in western MA, as long as it ain't in their district. There isn't even a coherent proposal on the table and they aren't asking questions let alone the important questions about cost-benefit. This is not the brain trust of western MA...Rep Scibak, c'mon!
Then, and I say then, Palmer Town Councillor Paul Burns gets out his megaphone and blasts the honorable state Senator Stephen M. Brewer and Palmer's native son, state Representative Todd Smola in both the Springfield Republican and with a Letter to the Editor in the Journal Register newspaper. The pledge for what? There are 17 pathetically disparate, inept bills filed with the Committee for Emerging Technologies and Economic Development (sheesh that needs an acronym...CETED). CETED, oh my, see Ted? Prophetic or what? See Ted roll in his grave as Democratic leadership race to the bottom to fund government services through predatory gambling and exploitation of human weakness. At least the Councillor is thorough and makes sure that none of the people he is hell bent on pissing off, miss his public diss-fits and covers himself in both papers.
Fab photo courtesy of Gladys Kravitz
Not to be outdone, the President of USS Mass was featured in today's Statehouse News (despite their cozy relationship with O'Neill Associates - casino shills extraordinaire and ad sponsors for SHN) setting the record straight on the laugh-ability of the inevitability word out of the Senate President's mouth. At least there are more syllables and therefore potentially more thought to saying the word, "inevitable" than "ca-ching!"
Governor Patrick where are you? We could use some leadership on this messy issue you brought to the Commonwealth. Stop the insanity. Take the whole thing off the table, due diligence, create a cost-benefit analysis commission...I'll serve. Cripes we did a ground breaking study in the Quaboag region with local Selectmen and appointed volunteers with no money.
BTW, thanks for the funding for the EMTs, it's not really stimulus but it's needed. Still sad the town was too cheap to fund it ourselves.
First, Mohegan Sun announces they are in the game for the low-chip price of $25-$50 million dollar licensing fees, no high roller $200-$250 million dollar entry fee for those boys.
Then, 10 Western MA legislators respond to the plea from labor to build a casino in Palmer, the real western MA - not to be confused with the abutting town of Warren (in Worcester County - boo!) by signing a pledge to not support casinos if it ain't in western MA, as long as it ain't in their district. There isn't even a coherent proposal on the table and they aren't asking questions let alone the important questions about cost-benefit. This is not the brain trust of western MA...Rep Scibak, c'mon!
Then, and I say then, Palmer Town Councillor Paul Burns gets out his megaphone and blasts the honorable state Senator Stephen M. Brewer and Palmer's native son, state Representative Todd Smola in both the Springfield Republican and with a Letter to the Editor in the Journal Register newspaper. The pledge for what? There are 17 pathetically disparate, inept bills filed with the Committee for Emerging Technologies and Economic Development (sheesh that needs an acronym...CETED). CETED, oh my, see Ted? Prophetic or what? See Ted roll in his grave as Democratic leadership race to the bottom to fund government services through predatory gambling and exploitation of human weakness. At least the Councillor is thorough and makes sure that none of the people he is hell bent on pissing off, miss his public diss-fits and covers himself in both papers.
Fab photo courtesy of Gladys Kravitz
Not to be outdone, the President of USS Mass was featured in today's Statehouse News (despite their cozy relationship with O'Neill Associates - casino shills extraordinaire and ad sponsors for SHN) setting the record straight on the laugh-ability of the inevitability word out of the Senate President's mouth. At least there are more syllables and therefore potentially more thought to saying the word, "inevitable" than "ca-ching!"
STATE CAPITOL BRIEFS – THURSDAY, OCT. 8, 2009Ya, and there's a casino in Middleboro today too, not! That was "inevitable" wasn't it?
STATE HOUSE NEWS SERVICE
GAMBLING FOES DOUBT S.P. MURRAY’S ‘INEVITABLE’ CLAIM
Casino opponents are speaking out against Senate President Therese Murray’s assertion that casinos are “inevitable,” saying proponents are trying to oversimplify and paint the introduction of expanded gambling as foregone. “It’s all over the map,” said Kathleen Conley Norbut, a casino opponent who held meetings Thursday with state officials. “This inevitability is the proponents’ message, and it’s a clever marketing ploy, but it’s not based in fact.” Norbut, a Monson resident who leads United to Stop Slots in Mass., said she met with first assistant Attorney General David Friedman and chiefs of staff to Sens. James Eldridge and Susan Tucker, discussing the downsides of casinos and what she called a need for a cost-benefit analysis. “[Murray] has yet to speak about the mitigation costs, the cost of the gaming regulatory commission, the cost for infrastructure,” Norbut said. “The costs are extraordinary, and our research shows that there is … in fact a long-term economic problem.” Asked whether she believed casinos were likely to pass next year, Norbut replied, “I think it’s very complex, and I don’t think they have it together.” Murray made her claim Wednesday in a WBUR interview broadcast Thursday.
Governor Patrick where are you? We could use some leadership on this messy issue you brought to the Commonwealth. Stop the insanity. Take the whole thing off the table, due diligence, create a cost-benefit analysis commission...I'll serve. Cripes we did a ground breaking study in the Quaboag region with local Selectmen and appointed volunteers with no money.
BTW, thanks for the funding for the EMTs, it's not really stimulus but it's needed. Still sad the town was too cheap to fund it ourselves.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Peanuts, Popcorn!
Hey, every now and then ya just gotta have fun. So here's what I do to kick back on a Friday afternoon with the effervescent Professor Jerold Duquette on his Longmeadow Cable TV show (LCTV) "Put Up Your Duq's". Grab a snack and enjoy.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Legislators called upon to perform due diligence
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Legislators called upon to perform due diligence
(Palmer) United to Stop Slots in Massachusetts (USS Mass) calls upon the Legislature to perform due diligence with an independent commission appointed to conduct a data-driven cost-benefit analysis of legalizing slots and predatory gambling in the current global recession. In a letter distributed to Legislators today, USS Mass wrote, “Proponents of corporate casinos, racetracks and predatory gambling have spent millions of dollars from out-of-state interests lobbying legislators since Governor Patrick’s failed proposal to license three resort casinos was filed. Special interest groups have targeted the Commonwealth as a market for expanding their profits at the expense of host regions, local aid, small businesses, public safety, environment, taxpayers, individuals and families affected by the negative impacts of this industry. Wildly inflated job projections and revenues have been disseminated in the media by the corporate gambling industry, the Administration and alleged researchers funded by gambling and construction groups. The global recession has impacted revenues with casinos and racinos going bankrupt and creating economic instability. We call on you as an elected representative of the citizens and taxpayers of the Commonwealth to conduct an independent cost-benefit, data-driven analysis of expanded gambling before legalizing slots or any form of predatory gambling.”
USS Mass, President Kathleen Conley Norbut stated, “We are citizens and taxpayers of the Commonwealth who along with many of our fellow citizens do not trust the one-sided figures disseminated by lobbyists and proponents of predatory gambling.” Ms. Norbut continued, “It is clear to the average citizen that the casino train left the station ten years ago…and crashed. Special interests must be clouding the vision of legislative leadership to pursue such a reckless course when bankruptcy, lay-offs and cannibalization of small businesses by the casino industry are rampant.”
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