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Massachusetts Democratic Party Resolution to Oppose Legalization of Slot Machines
June 6, 2009

Whereas the Democratic Party has a long and proud tradition of advocating for social justice, working for policies that promote the public health, and fighting to protect citizens from exploitive and predatory business practices; 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 licensing and promoting such addictive, predatory gambling technology for the purpose of raising State revenues goes against the aforementioned values and principles for which the Democratic Party has long stood, and is at odds with the ideals that underlie our Party's honorable and consistent struggle to end the deceptive and predatory lending, marketing, and pricing practices that have pushed so many families to the brink;

And whereas legalizing slot machines would erode participation in the Lottery and siphon away from local small businesses the discretionary spending on goods and services that they depend on;

And whereas the development of slot machine parlors would neither create significant new jobs, nor increase tourism in Massachusetts;

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 Democratic Party, 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.

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The Sudbury Democratic Town Committee Approves Resolution Agains Casino Gambling
October 24, 2007

At our meeting of 24 October 2007, a resolution was approved as follows:

Resolution of the Sudbury Democratic Town Committee Against Casino Gambling
October 24, 2007

WHEREAS the platform of the Massachusetts Democratic Party commits the party to tax equity and responsible budgeting, special support for small businesses and agriculture, sustainable development practices to foster economic stability for both urban and rural cities and towns, and the provision of a sustainable revenue source to finance state government that supports a healthy economy; and

WHEREAS casino gambling would not promote tax equity, responsible budgeting, sustainable development practices, or a sustainable revenue source, and likely would damage small businesses and agriculture in Massachusetts; and

WHEREAS casino gambling would involve our state government in condoning and encouraging behavior that has led in far too many cases to personal financial ruin, the breakup of families, domestic violence, and child neglect; and

WHEREAS the Governor's proposal for casinos in Massachusetts represents a missed opportunity to advocate for a more equitable tax system;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

The Sudbury Democratic Town Committee declares itself opposed to casino gambling in Massachusetts and in favor of raising state revenues in a more equitable manner.

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The Amherst Democratic Town Committee Supports League of Women Voters Against Casino Gambling
October 18, 2007

Meeting on October 18, 2007, members of the Amherst Democratic Town Committee (ADTC) voted to support the League of Women Voters Massachusetts and local State Representative Ellen Story in their opposition to casino gambling in Massachusetts.

The ADTC resolution states that Governor Deval Patrick's casino gambling proposal "would not promote tax equity, responsible budgeting, sustainable development practices, or a sustainable revenue source, and likely would damage small businesses and agriculture in Western Massachusetts."

The resolution also stated that the Governor's casino proposal "represents a missed opportunity to advocate for a more equitable tax system" in Massachusetts.

ADTC member Leo Maley brought the resolution to the Committee. Following an hour-long discussion, the resolution passed by a vote of 13 to 2.

"It was a lively and informative discussion. Committee members came to the meeting well-informed on the subject. Most members had read the very informative materials prepared by the League of Women Voters Massachusetts concerning the economic and social effects of casino gambling," Maley noted. "It is great to see this level of knowledge and passion concerning such an important issue at the grass roots of the Democratic party."

"Many Committee members expressed their disappointment in Governor Patrick," Maley noted. "Only one Committee member expressed support for Governor Deval Patrick's casino proposal. Most Committee members were passionately opposed to the Governor's plan," Maley noted.

Maley, a community and political organizer, notes that he strongly supported Deval Patrick in last year's Democratic primary and general elections and that many ADTC members had campaigned hard for Patrick.

"Amherst voted 84 percent for Deval Patrick in a three-way Democratic primary and again by 84 percent in the general election," Maley noted. "ADTC members helped lead the effort for Deval Patrick in Western Massachusetts."

Maley noted that "The Governor has done many wonderful things since he's been in office. I continue to support him. However, it is unfortunate to see the Governor so out of step with his core supporters on this very important issue."

Text of the ADTC casino resolution follows:

Amherst Democratic Town Committee
October 18, 2007
RESOLUTION

WHEREAS the platform of the Massachusetts Democratic Party commits the party to "tax equity and responsible budgeting," "special support for small businesses and agriculture," "sustainable development practices to foster economic stability for both urban and rural cities and towns," and the provision of "a sustainable revenue source to finance state government that support a healthy economy;"

WHEREAS casino gambling would not promote tax equity, responsible budgeting, sustainable development practices, or a sustainable revenue source, and likely would damage small businesses and agriculture in Western Massachusetts;

WHEREAS the Governor's proposal for casinos in Massachusetts represents a missed opportunity to advocate for a more equitable tax system; and

WHEREAS the League of Women Voters Massachusetts and Representative Ellen Story have been consistent and forthright in their advocacy for more equitable taxation and their opposition to casino gambling;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

The Amherst Democratic Town Committee supports the League of Women Voters Massachusetts and Representative Story in their opposition to casino gambling in Massachusetts and in their commitment to a more equitable system of taxation for residents of the Commonwealth.