By Ethan Forman
BEVERLY — State Speaker of the House Robert DeLeo spoke before the North Shore Alliance for Economic Development yesterday promising to file a bill for casino gambling in the Bay State next month.
Here is just some of what the Winthrop Democrat, whose district includes a portion of Revere, had to say to business leaders about economic-development initiatives and the state budget:
"Right now we are in an unprecedented fiscal position. As a matter of fact, Michael Widmer (director) of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation reported that state revenues for fiscal year 2010, will be $18 billion, a drop-off of $3.8 billion from 2008. Year to date ... this is the biggest two-year decline since World War II ..."
"Jobs growth is really the major reason I'm interested in expanding gaming in Massachusetts. It's always been reported ... that I support slots at racetracks given the fact that the racing industry plays such an important part in my own particular district. Because I feel that, again, expanded gaming would mean jobs in my district ..."
"I also view gaming as an additional industry that could help support a statewide economy and build on the travel and tourism sector. ... I also support resort casinos. It's important to make the point, I don't see that gaming is going to be the panacea of all of our economic and fiscal problems in the state. I do view it as one more tool that can help our state prosper ..."
"As we strive to improve the transportation along the North Shore, many have discussed the possible expansion of the (MBTA's) Blue Line as a means to that end. And I believe there is certainly an argument to be made that extending the Blue Line to Lynn would help spur economic growth in the area and provide a link to Boston for local residents ..."
— Ethan Forman
