While Gov. Deval Patrick appears ready to abandon the casino gambling initiative, State Rep. Kathi-Anne Reinstein (D-Chelsea) and others in the region are working to keep it moving forward. Earlier this month, Reinstein was selected as one of six members of a state legislative conference committee tasked with developing a compromise on an expanded gaming bill. She spoke with the Record on Monday about the committee’s plans to reconvene this week, expressing cautious optimism. “We’re making progress,” she said. Yet Reinstein acknowledged that committee rules currently prevent her from discussing the bill’s details publicly. “We’re meeting again this week and I’m optimistic. When it’s all over, I can talk more about the specifics, but right now I can say we’re progressing.” Reinstein added that she is receiving substantial correspondence from constituents in towns such as Hopkinton and Milford expressing strong opposition to casinos and expanded gaming. “They’re e-mailing me and asking me to support everything our district doesn’t want,” she said. “All weekend I just got barraged.”
When the conference committee started its work last week, momentum seemed strong. A central point of contention has emerged around slot machines at existing racetracks. The House, under Speaker Bob DeLeo, approved legislation permitting interim slots—meaning slots would operate until a full resort casino could be developed, licensed and constructed. Reinstein firmly backs this approach. For Suffolk Downs owners, the plan would provide slots at both Suffolk Downs and Wonderland Dog Track. The Senate’s version of the expanded gaming bill excludes slots, a position Gov. Patrick also supports. DeLeo stated last week that he would not reconsider the slots question, emphasizing its significance for job preservation and generating immediate local revenue. “And I just can’t be persuaded – as the governor and others may have trouble being persuaded about having the slots – I can’t be persuaded that we shouldn’t have the slots,” he said. In response, Gov. Patrick told Boston media late last week—while the committee was actively meeting—that expanded gaming legislation could fail this year. The disagreement has created tension among lawmakers and the governor, particularly as the gubernatorial race approaches. While public statements remain scarce, Reinstein indicated that the committee found it troubling to hear such declarations during their deliberations. “I’m disappointed in his comments; I really am,” said Reinstein. “We’re not paying attention to that. We’re concentrating on the job we have to do.”
The work must likely conclude this week, however. The deadline for securing the governor’s signature is July 31st, which is only 10 days away.