Key Legislative Committee to Vote on Casino Bill
The House Finance Committee approved a constitutional amendment Monday allowing the Narragansett Indian Tribe and an unnamed business partner to build a casino in West Warwick. The 14-5 vote means the amendment will be considered by all lawmakers in the House, the next of several hurdles before it can become law.
But legislators on the finance committee put off a decision on the proposed casino's tax rate until next year, an abrupt revision unveiled just before the start of the committee meeting. An earlier version of the bill called for a minimum 25 percent tax on net gaming income. "This is only round one, a positive round for the tribe, the people of Rhode Island," said Narragansett Chief Sachem Matthew Thomas.
"Never count any chickens before they hatch in Rhode Island. "The bill, introduced by Rep. Timothy Williamson, D-West Warwick, would override a constitutional provision that has kept the tribe from building a casino.
May 24, 2006
Posted By Hector Rodriquez
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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