State House Press Conference
Tuesday, September 13th 2011 at 11 a.m.
Massachusetts State House
Boston, Mass.
We invite participation from spokespersons from any group opposed to expanded gambling.
If you oppose the expansion of gambling in the Commonwealth, show your support! Please added and bring friends!
Winthrop Public Forum on Casino Gambling
May 4th 2011 at 6:30 pm
Winthrop Middle School
Winthrop, MA
The public is welcome to attend this timely debate-style forum and debate on expanded gambling.
Hearing on Proposed Gambling Legislation
Wednesday, May 4th 2011 at 10:00 am
Gardner Auditorium
Massachusetts State House
Boston, MA
Lawmakers will consider bills to introduce new forms of gambling in Massachusetts at a May 4 hearing in the State Houses Gardner Auditorium. The 10 a.m. hearing, which will be held by the Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies, will feature testimony on about a dozen bills dealing with proposals to bring destination resort casinos and slot parlors to Massachusetts, as well as lawmakers other proposals to draw new gambling business and revenue to the state. The committee is chaired by Rep. Joseph Wagner (D-Chicopee) and Sen. Karen Spilka (D-Ashland). Expanded gambling bills cleared both branches last session but died over a disagreement between the House and Gov. Deval Patrick over racetrack slot machines. Patrick and DeLeo appear to remain in disagreement over that issue, leaving the fate of casinos uncertain, especially given heavy turnover in the House and Senate in the new session.
All USS-Mass members and supporters are urged to attend and testify.
Please arrive early to sign in.
East Boston Public Forum on Casino Gambling
June 30th, 2010, 6:30 PM
Sacred Heart Church Hall
303 Paris St.
East Boston, MA
The East Boston Times is sponsoring and Editor Joshua Resnek will be moderating a forum on the benefits and disadvantages of building a resort-style casino at Suffolk Downs.
The event will be held on June 30th at 6:30 PM at Sacred Heart Church Hall. Both sides of the casino debate will be represented. The proponents will be represented by: Frank Callahan, President of the Building and Trades Union and Jay Ash, Chelsea City Manager. The opposition will be represented by Tom Larkin, a licensed psychologist and a member of the Board of Directors of United to Stop Slots in Massachusetts and John Ribeiro, a concerned, lifelong East Boston and Winthrop resident and member of the newly founded, Neighbors of Suffolk Downs.
Each side will present their point of view on the subject. Local politicians will be provided an opportunity to present their views. And the public will be invited to ask questions of the panel.
The State's House of Representatives has already passed their version of legislation allowing casino gambling in Massachusetts and the Senate is formulating their version. One public hearing was held and there are no plans to hold any others before the end of this legislative session.
One side promises jobs and a much needed boost to the sagging Massachusetts economy. The other is concerned about the social cost to families, the negative impact on businesses and the expected increase in traffic. This promises to be a lively and spirited debate on an issue that will shape the Massachusetts economy for generations.
Senate to Hold Public Hearing on Proposed Gambling Legislation
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
1:00 PM
Gardner Auditorium
Massachusetts State House
Boston, MA
All USS-Mass members and supporters are urged to attend and testify.
Please arrive early to sign in.
USS-MAss Calls Casino Bluff
Press Conference and State House Literature Drop
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
1:00 pm
Massachusetts State House, Room B-1
A press conference in advanced of the yet-to-be released "super-secret-slots" bill will ask elected officials not to be 'fooled' by the false promises of out-of-state casino developers.
A diverse group of Massachusetts voters will speak briefly about why slot machines are a drain on the local economy. Presenters will remind legislators of the real costs of slots as slots decrease lottery revenue and local aid to cities and towns. USS-Mass will call for a new independent cost benefit analysis to find out the true costs and benefits of legalizing thousands of slot machines across the state.
Speakers include United to Stop Slots in Massachusetts, President Kathleen Conley Norbut, Massachusetts Council of Churches Executive Director the Reverend Jack Johnson, and Kelly Marcimo from the League of Women Voters of Massachusetts
The conference will be followed by a literature drop to all legislators to include
"The Real Costs of Slots and Casinos".
The public is urged to attend and participate in both events.
Representative Alice Peisch to host informational forum on Expanded gaming in Wellesley
Sunday March 14, 2010
3:00 - 5:00 pm
Sprague Elementary School
State Representative Alice Peisch (D-Wellesley) will host an informational forum for Metrowest area residents on the prospect of bringing expanded gaming to the commonwealth on Sunday, March 14 at Sprague Elementary School from 3PM-5PM.
The forum, "Expanded Gaming: The Pros and Cons of Bringing Casinos and Slots to the Commonwealth", is co-sponsored by Representative Peisch (D-Wellesley), Senator Cynthia Stone Creem (D-Newton), and Senator Susan Fargo (D-Lincoln). The forum will consist of a panel discussion, which will highlight both the arguments for and against bringing expanded gaming to the commonwealth. The panel will feature Senator Susan Tucker (D-Andover) and Mr. Gary Loveman, Chief Executive Officer and President of Harrah's Entertainment. Following the discussion, the panel will take questions and comments from the audience, with Representative Peisch facilitating the discussion. All members of the public are invited to attend and participate in the forum.
"Expanded gaming will be one of the major policy issues debated this spring by the Massachusetts Legislature" said Representative Peisch, "This forum is designed to give residents of the community an opportunity to participate in the discussion."
Contact Matthew Kitsos (617) 722-2800 ext. 8594
Forum on Expanding Gambling in North Andover
January 28th 2010
7:00 pm
Stevens Memorial Library
345 Main Street, North Andover
Is Casino Gambling Good for Massachusetts? Hear Both Sides of the Issue at a Forum on Casino Gambling organized by the North Andover Democratic Town Committee, Moderated by State Senator Steven Baddour.
State Representative Kathi-Anne Reinstein and State Senator Susan Tucker will present
brief arguments for and against legalizing casino-style gaming in Massachusetts. Those in
attendance will then have the opportunity to ask questions and offer their opinions to the
legislators. Don't miss this opportunity to learn about this topic and make your voice heard in
this important discussion of the issue.
Contact
Tom Larkin
for more information or for help in organizing a forum on casino gambling in your community
Click here for flyer
UPDATE - Newton Forum
Casino debate comes to Newton
By Dan Atkinson/Staff Writer
Wicked Local Newton
Posted Jan 19, 2010
Newton - Loose slots can revitalize the state's economy and destroy its citizens' lives, speakers at a debate about casino gambling said last week.
The Newton Democratic City Committee sponsored the forum, which pitted state representatives Ruth Balser and Tom Conroy against Stephen Joyce, political director for the New England Carpenters Labor Management Program, and Frank Callahan, president of the Massachusetts Building Trades Council.
Balser and Conroy were particularly opposed to slot machines, with Balser saying she would not oppose casinos as long as they did not contain one-armed bandits and video poker. The two legislators made a case for such machines as "predatory" gambling that bankrupts addicts.
Restraining such rapaciousness overrides civil liberties concerns, Balser said.
"I'll respect the libertarian argument more when we legalize crack and heroin," she said. "Slot machines are in that category."
Meeting regarding the LAND USE issues relating to potential future Casino Developments in the Route I-495 area.
January 20th 2010
5:00 - 7:00 pm
Ashland Library
On 1/20/2010 the MetroWest Growth Management Committee, SWAP, and the I-495 MetroWest Partnership will be sponsoring a meeting from 5:00 - 7:00 PM regarding the land use issues relating to potential future Casino Developments in the Route I-495 area.
Click Here for the Meeting Agenda (.PDF)
USS-Mass President Kathleen Norbut and Ed Harrison (Chairman, Western MA Casino Task Force)will be members of the panel. The public is invited to attend.
For more information regarding land use issues relating to potential future casino developments please refer to:
Western Mass. Casino Task Force List of Concerns and IssuesA list of high priority concerns and issues developed by the 15-town Western Massachusetts Casino Task Force - August 4, 2009
Forum on Expanding Gambling in Newton
January 14th 2010
7:00 - 9:00 pm
The Scandinavian Living Center
206 Waltham Street
West Newton
The Newton Democratic City Committee is sponsoring a forum on the merits of gambling - slots and casinos - in the Commonwealth.
Moderator: Scott Harshbarger
Panel: Rep. Ruth Balser (opposed) Kevin Kelley, Newton Carpenters Union (in favor)
Contact
Martina Jackson
for more information
UPDATE - The Case for the Commonwealth
Statehouse Press ConferenceThursday October 29
9:30 AM
Grand Staircase
Massachusetts Statehouse, Boston
Casinos and Slots: A Bad Gamble for Massachusetts
This Thursday, at 9:30 am, in advance of a hearing on legislation to expand gambling in the Commonwealth, opponents of casinos and slot machines will be holding a press conference in the State House, to explain why bringing predatory gambling to the state would be harmful for local businesses, local communities, and local families and calling upon the Legislature to reject predatory gambling for our state.
Send a message to the press and legislators that opposition to bringing predatory gambling in our state is there, and it's strong. Please attend if you can, and bring your friends, neighbors, family, colleagues, etc.
Legislators and citizen advocates, together, call upon the Legislature to oppose expanding predatory gambling, slots/casinos in the Commonwealth including:
Senator Sue Tucker
Representative Daniel Bosley
Les Bernal, Executive Director,
Stop Predatory Gambling and member, USS-Mass
Bob Massie, United to Stop Slots, Massachusetts
Steve Sears, Palmer Citizens Committee
It will take only a half an hour of your time, but it would be a big help for the cause.
UPDATE - Chelmsford Forum
Casino debate revolves around jobs, social impact
By By Jennifer Myers
Lowell Sun
Oct. 18 2009
CHELMSFORD - Tucker said Attorney General Martha Coakley said the Legislature should not consider expanded gambling "until we change the wiretapping laws, criminal codes and money laundering statutes." "What other kinds of industry have we talked about where we have to redo our criminal codes?" she asked. "That is something right away that should give us pause."
UPDATE - Medford Forum
Sides make their pitches at gaming forum
By Travis Andersen, Town Correspondent
Boston Globe
Oct. 16 2009
MEDFORD - "This is not your father's slot machine," Tucker said, claiming that the pineapple and dollar-sign devices now have technology that turns casual players into addicts. Add the losses that would hit the state lottery and the costs of regulating casinos and slot parlors, she said, and the revenue estimates fly out the window.
"This scheme is the biggest transfer of wealth from working families into the hands of immensely wealthy out-of-state investors," she said.
Hearings on Expanded Gambling LegislationThursday October 29
10:00 AM
Gardner Auditorium
Massachusetts Statehouse, Boston
This public hearing will be conducted by the Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies. It shall be the duty of the panel to consider all matters concerning commercial and industrial establishments, casino gambling and gaming, industrial development, the racing industry, science and technology, economic development and several other business and research interests.
Forum on Expanding Gambling in Chelmsford
October 17th 2009
9:00 am
Raddison Hotel, Chelmsford
Following the regularly scheduled October Greater Lowell Area Democrat (GLAD) breakfast meeting. Contact
Tom Larkin
for more information
Gambling Forum in MedfordThursday October 15
7:00 - 9:00
At Century Bank
400 Mystic Avenue, Medford
The debate on expanded gambling in Massachusetts is heating up, with hearings scheduled this month, and a vote likely early next year. One of the first e discussions this session will be held on Thursday, October 15.
I'm inviting you to a debate on the issue on Thursday October 15 from 7:00 - 9:00 at Century Bank, 400 Mystic Avenue in Medford. The forum will feature speakers representing both sides of the gambling debate.
Senator Sue Tucker represents the City of Lawrence and the towns of Andover, Dracut, and Tewksbury. In 1996, Sen. Tucker organized a statewide coalition against casinos in Massachusetts. Now she is working with business, political, and the religious communities to build a diverse coalition to defeat any proposal for expansion.
Representative Kathi-Anne Reinstein represents Revere, Chelsea and Saugus. She has long been a proponent of expanded gaming, believing that it is an economic growth opportunity not only in her native region, but also throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Senator Tucker and Representative Reinstein will present arguments for and against casinos and other forms of expanded gambling in Massachusetts. Audience members will have an opportunity to ask questions and to express their own opinions. Light refreshments will be served.
Please come -- and invite your friends for an exciting and stimulating conversation on a topic that will affect us all.
Century Bank on Mystic Avenue is easily accessible from Somerville and Medford. From Winchester and Woburn, take exit 30 off Route 93.
UPDATE - Sudbury Forum
Conroy holds gambling forum in Sudbury
By Kendall Hatch/Daily News staff
The MetroWest Daily News
Posted Sep 25, 2009
SUDBURY - In a forum put on by Rep. Tom Conroy, D-Wayland, about 20 area residents gathered last night at Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School to discuss the pros and cons of expanded gambling in Massachusetts.
Forum on Expanding Gambling in Sudbury
September 24th 2009
7:30 pm
At Sudbury High School
Please join me on Thursday, September 24th at 7:30 in the Lincoln-Sudbury High School Auditorium for a Forum on Expanded Gaming in Massachusetts.
The interactive forum will include:
- Current research on potential gaming in the state, such as resort-style casinos, slot machine parlors, racinos, etc.
- Potential benefits and costs of each type of gaming, including jobs, revenues, the cannibalization affect on lottery revenues for towns and cities, and social costs.
For more information, or to forward questions before the event, please call 617-777-2460 or e-mail
Rep. Tom Conroy for more information
UPDATE - Waltham Forum
September 11, 2009
Dear Friends,
The Waltham Forum on legalizing predatory gambling in the Commonwealth held last night was outstanding. Tom Larkin is to be commended for his work in organizing this important and dignified community conversation. Bob Logan, Waltham City Councillor and chair of the Waltham DCC, Scott Harshbarger - moderator, and the proponent Tom Hill - Marlborough DCC, chair were gracious in their presence and presentations.
There were approximately 40 people in attendance with local cable access taping the show. It began at 7:15pm and ended just before 9pm with all audience members who chose to offered an opportunity to speak to the group. It was a balanced presentation with the majority of audience members speaking against the legalization of predatory gambling and slots. In attendance were Rep. Koutoujian (D-Waltham) and Rep. Conroy (D-Wayland) as well as Governor's Councillor Marilyn Petito Devaney.
Rep. Conroy spoke about his on-going work regarding cost-benefit analysis of the proposals to legalize expanded gambling. I applaud him for his measured and rational approach to this issue. The Western MA Casino Task Force, USS Mass and many diverse organizations and individuals have called for an independent-balanced, data-driven cost-benefit analysis with full mitigation and budgets to be performed before any expanded gambling is legalized in the Commonwealth. The Governor of New Hampshire recently appointed a commission to perform that task for the our neighboring state. No tax dollars are necessary for a blue-ribbon commission to be appointed to fulfill this basic governmental task.
Thank you again to the organizers and participants - civic engagement in action.
Kathleen Conley Norbut, M.Ed., LMHC
President, United to Stop Slots in Massachusetts
Forum on Proposals to Expand Legalized GamblingThursday, September 10, 2009
Former Attorney General Scott Harshbarger, moderatorClick here for a flyer for this event
- Do you have an opinion about the expansion of legalized gambling in Massachusetts?
- Do you want to learn more about this proposal?
- Do you want your voice heard on this important issue?
Speak out or listen!
Waltham Government Center Auditorium
119 School Street
(corner of School & Lexington streets,
one block from Main Street)
Thursday, September 10
6:30 p.m. refreshments
7 p.m.-9 forum
Hosted by the Waltham Democratic City Committee &
Third Middlesex Area Democrats.
For further information contact:
Tom Larkin or
Rob Logan