Casino Bill Tabled For The Year
The AJC’s Aaron Sheinin reports that the Senate Bill that would begin the process to legalize casino gaming in Georgia will be shelved for this year. Senator Brandon Beach conceded he doesn’t have the votes to move the legislation through the Senate Regulated Industries Committee before the looming “crossover day”. Our long time readers will note this is the same committee that managed to keep Sunday Sales of alcohol bottled up for years.
The earliest the amendment could be voted on is 2018, per Georgia’s Constitution. As such, if sufficient support can be garnered in the legislative off season, the delay doesn’t necessarily change the timeframe of opening up Georgia to gaming. Beach, for his part, isn’t giving up:
“I am not discouraged,” Beach said. “I will double down and plan to crisscross the state starting in April” to build support for the bill in 2018.
Beach said he will visit local Rotary clubs, speak with education leaders, hospital administrators and anyone else who will listen to garner public backing.
Take this, at least for now, as a “not yet” instead of a firm “no”.
About Author
Charlie
Founder of GeorgiaPol.com; Now weekly columnist Very interested in Georgia and Georginas. Interest in politics is waning daily.
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This seems like a strange issue to “crisscross the state” with. I admit I haven’t followed this legislative session as closely as in years past, but spending a lot of time convincing people that casino proceeds will them doesn’t sound like a winner in the long term.
Crisscrossing the state doesnt’ seem efficient or even necesaary … hasn’t there been polling showing majority support? Seems like targeting persuasive campaigns within the committee members’ districts more efficient. Probably some crisscrossing to do there.
Is pulling the casino bill the price for ditching this year’s rfra effort? If so, fair exchange.
So is Shafer leading the shelving effort?
Has the enthusiasm for all casinos died down? This proposal didn’t seen to generate much excitement, one way or the other.