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For Immediate
Release
9/27/06
CONTACT:
PA
Senate Republican Communications
(717) 787-6725
Orie
Hails Senate Passage of Gaming Reform Bill
to
Eliminate Supplier Middlemen
HARRISBURG -- Making
good on her commitment to strengthen the state's Gaming Law, Senator Jane Orie
(R-Allegheny) today voted for reform legislation that would eliminate the
mandate that slot machines be sold and serviced only through the use of supplier
middlemen, the most offensive and unnecessary provision of the state's two‑year
old gambling law. "This reform legislation will guard against influence
peddling and corruption, toughen enforcement, and ensure accountability and
integrity in the casino licensing process," Orie stated.
Orie
said that today's passage of SB 862 is "a victory for reform advocates
who have fought long and hard to improve the law and close loopholes
that could render it ineffective." Two years ago Governor Rendell
vetoed a gambling reform bill pushed by Senate Republicans that included
her provision to eliminate the "supplier middlemen."
"If
Governor Rendell had signed that legislation, we wouldn't still be here
working to fix the law and protect the citizens of our Commonwealth,"
said Orie who is a staunch gambling opponent. "As we introduce gambling
in Pennsylvania, the implementation process must be above reproach, must
be open to public scrutiny, and must respond to the concerns of the
citizens of our Commonwealth – many who do not support gaming
expansion."
Orie,
along with many of her Senate Republican colleagues, met throughout the
summer to develop a package of gaming reforms to strengthen state law
and make Pennsylvania a model for the nation. Those provisions, now
contained in Senate Bill 862, include:
-
Eliminating the provision that allowed public officials to hold a
financial interest in a gaming license.
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Establishing a Code of Conduct for the Gaming Control Board.
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Ensuring that the PGCB is subject to the Right-to-Know Act, the
Sunshine Law, and other open-government laws.
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Subjecting the Gaming Control Board to the normal state budget
process.
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Clarifying the authority of the Attorney General regarding gambling
crimes.
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Requiring employment practices to follow those of other state
agencies, including the requirement that background checks be
completed before employment.
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Prohibiting individuals from circumventing licensing requirements by
using their child as an applicant, as well as prohibiting a minor
child from controlling a license through a trust arrangement.
Orie
was a vocal opponent of the gambling law and has been a strong advocate
of gambling reforms, including a measure to regulate hiring practices at
the state Gaming Control Board. She has led the push for a Special
Legislative Session on gaming reform to deal with a wide range of issues
related to gaming.
"The
voters of the Commonwealth should have full confidence that gambling
will be introduced in Pennsylvania free of unnecessary political
influence, corruption or criminal activity." Orie said. "The reforms
we are considering are crucial to closing loopholes, improving the
current law and restoring public confidence in the Gaming Control Board
and licensing process."
Major Provisions of Senate
Bill 862 (Gaming Reform Measure) as Amended by Rules Committee
  Orie
Regola
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