SHARE

Danbury Rep. Giegler Votes 'No' On Expanded Casino Gaming

DANBURY, Conn. – State Rep. Jan Giegler, R-138, voted against allowing expanded casino gaming in Connecticut.

State Rep. Jan Giegler represents parts of Danbury and Ridgefield.

State Rep. Jan Giegler represents parts of Danbury and Ridgefield.

Photo Credit: File

H.B. 1090 -- An Act Concerning Gaming would allow the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe and the Mohegan Tribe of Indians of Connecticut -- a “tribal business entity” -- to operate a new casino gaming facility outside its federally recognized lands after final approval by the General Assembly and amending state law. The legislation does not specify the number of tribal business entities.

“Balancing the state budget on the back of casino gaming is a recipe for disaster and is not the answer to our state's fiscal crisis,” said Giegler, who represents parts of Danbury and Ridgefield.

“The socio-economic impact to our communities by expanding casinos is a grave concern, having the potential to hurt local businesses and to increase problem gambling. The lack of a specific location for the new facility must also be taken into account as we don't want it in our backyard.”

Giegler cited several other concerns with the expansion of gaming in the state, including the potential increased costs to municipalities and their budgets with overextended police and fire services, and the potential for expansion of other gaming facilities off tribal lands.

This bill has the ability to create legal issues and future implications to the state, as well as having constitutional implications, Giegler said. Additionally, this legislation would not have been considered if the tribes were successful in their bid to build and operate a facility in Massachusetts, she said.

The vote passed the House on a vote of 88-55.

to follow Daily Voice Danbury and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE