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Clymer: 'Slot passage more about greed than relief' His long battle came to an end early on the Fourth of July when his fellow state House members passed legislation that will bring 61,000 slot machines to the commonwealth."This was a devastating vote," the West Rockhill Township Republican told the News-Herald yesterday back in his Perkasie office. "Not only will this fail at solving the state's property tax problems, but many new problems will soon arise that we are unprepared for, including gambling addictions, increased crime and bankruptcy."
"Mark my words. This is just the tip of the iceberg with more expansion of slot machines and even table games, such as blackjack and roulette, sure to follow," added the Bucks assemblyman.
"It's so depressing what we have done to the state," stated Clymer, first elected in 1980 and up for re-election again this year. "This vote was just poor public policy, plain and simple. This is legislation that will favor casino owners - the rich and the powerful - while leaving Pennsylvania's families the losers.
"And public officials are permitted under this bill to own a 1 percent share in the soon-to-be established casinos. This is simply wrong," said Clymer. "It's blatantly outrageous."
The Pennridge High School graduate said he was among the House members who attempted to make an 11th-hour appeal to kill the legislation, passed a day earlier by the Senate. "I said the bill was covered with sores and blisters from so many people and special interests putting their hands in and trying to get a piece of the pie."
"The whole thing just has a foul odor about it," Clymer added. "Pennsylvania will become Nevada east." He pointed out that even in neighboring New Jersey, it took 25 years for Atlantic City to get 38,000 slot machines, compared to 61,000 approved for this state.
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Late last month, Clymer wrote to the key proponent of slots , Gov. Edward Rendell, urging him to change his mind."Families are Pennsylvania's hope; our greatest asset, our future," wrote Clymer. "They deserve and expect protection from the state, not exploitation. We cannot expect to achieve a better society, create a better world unless we have strong families such as building blocks. Slots are the acid rain that deteriorates this foundation."
He added, "If legalized casino gambling is to become cyber gambling this administration's legacy, be assured it will not be a legacy of wealth and prosperity. Rather future generations will have inherited a government ridden with strife and beholden to powerful gambling interests who will call the fruit machine and the slots."
Clymer told the governor, "Pushing your agenda for casino gambling is not economic development. Your new Pennsylvania, where casino employees watch their fellow citizens self-destruct, will not be one promoting quality of life or better jobs; but rather contributing to the spiraling downfall of innocent people."
A devout Baptist, Clymer also said the tax relief provisions of the slots legislation are a "sham and fraud." He said residents in Pennridge would be disappointed with the amount they will get, "maybe in the $200 range." He pointed out that the property tax relief does not take effect until the state gets at least $500 million in its coffers, which he said would not be until 2006-07.
State Rep. Katherine Watson of the 144th District also voted against the bill, but fellow Republican Charles McIlhinney of the 143rd District voted for it. The bill ultimately passed about 1:30 a.m. Sunday by a 113-88 vote margin.
Ironically, Gov. Rendell signed the bill Monday during a ceremony at Lower Bucks County's Philadelphia Park, home of Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Smarty Jones.
Commented Rendell, "It isn't a panacea, but it certainly isn't the demon it's been made out to be. It's a good, significant step on the road to property tax relief."
An appointed seven-member gambling commission with broad powers will now be organized to issue slot licenses to racetracks, resorts and other sites, for fees ranging up to $50 million apiece.
The legislation makes Pennsylvania the 18th state to legalize slot machine gambling, not counting casinos run by Indian tribes.
Proponents said the law would enable the state to keep much of the money Pennsylvanians currently pour into slot machines in neighboring states like New York, New Jersey, Delaware and West Virginia and help revive the state's horse racing industry. (Ohio and Maryland are also being targeted to allow slots).
Ultimately, the slots are expected to generate $1 billion a year for reducing property taxes in school districts and lowering the Philadelphia wage tax. Districts will be awarded a share of the money based on a formula that considers wealth, enrollment and other factors.
When fully operational in about four years, slot venues are expected to generate an estimated $3 billion in gross revenue: 34 percent would go toward property tax reduction; 4 percent to municipalities and counties that have gambling halls; 5 percent to state Gaming Economic Development Tourist Fund; 8.61 percent for racetrack purses and track expenses; and 48 percent to the gambling companies.
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