Vote to legalize table games delayed
House Democratic leaders today delayed a scheduled vote to legalize table games while they tried to round up support for the bill.
HARRISBURG - House Democratic leaders today delayed a scheduled vote to legalize table games while they tried to round up support for the bill.
"It became clear that members on both sides of the aisle felt they needed more time to review the content of this amendment," said Brett Marcy, spokesman for House Majority Leader Todd Eachus (D., Luzerne).
With four scheduled session days left before the Christmas break, gambling supporters are trying to win swift passage of the bill to add table games at slots parlors in order to fill a nearly $250 million hole in the state budget.
In addition, the bill's passage would free up $730 million in funding for museums, hospitals, and "state-related" colleges, including Penn State, Temple University and Lincoln University.
Republicans today accused the Democrats of trying to suspend the House rules in order to rush the bill through.
"We do not support suspending the rules to fast track gaming," said Steve Miskin, spokesman for House Minority Leader Sam Smith (R., Jefferson). "It's mind-boggling."