CSM President Scott Harshbarger on Fox 25

Click here to watch CSM President Scott Harshbarger on Fox 25 discussing the ongoing casino debate in Massachusetts. Referring to casino gambling as "fool's gold," Mr. Harshbarger points out that casinos have to be allowed to give out free drinks and junkets to be a functional business model, all the while causing increased gambling addiction & devastation to surrounding communities. Mr. Harshbarger also points out that the "race to the bottom" has already begun, noting the happy hour amendment that would allow discounted alcohol in state bars and restaurants.

Statement of Scott Harshbarger, President of Citizens for a Stronger Massachusetts on Senate Passage of the Casino Bill

The following is a statement from Scott Harshbarger, president of Citizens for a Stronger Massachusetts, on the Senate’s passage this afternoon of the casino bill. 

“We are, of course, disappointed with the Senate’s vote to follow the House in approving a bill which, if it becomes law, will irreparably and undeniably hurt the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. After weeks of so-called “debate,” the process now goes back behind closed doors where key differences in this bill will be hammered out the same way the bill was written – in secret, with no transparency or public voice.

“With protesters camping out on sidewalks only blocks from the State House pleading for a voice in their government, it is shameful Beacon Hill clearly hasn’t learned the lessons of its recent past and insists on moving forward with a bill that will only help casino owners, lobbyists and special interests. There is still time to kill this bill and we continue to hope lawmakers and Governor Patrick will see this is clearly a bad bet for Massachusetts.”

Blue Mass Group: CSM Analysis "Stunning"

CSM's analysis of the proposed gambling bill was picked up by Blue Mass Group, which reported that "[a]s many of us have long suspected, the estimates the gambling interests and their front groups are using are WRONG!"

Click here for a link to the full story.

Statement of Scott Harshbarger, President of Citizens for a Stronger Massachusetts

Copied below is a statement from Scott Harshbarger, president of Citizens for a Stronger Massachusetts, in response to claims that casino critics are ‘elitist’ for questioning jobs, revenue and local aid estimates being offered by bill proponents.

“It’s a shame our leaders must resort to name-calling rather than embracing an honest debate on the complex issue of casino gambling. Unfortunately, the cloud of phony outrage at our penetrating analysis of this bill’s failings still hasn’t yielded an answer about the false hope of their baldly inaccurate jobs, local aid and revenue estimates. It’s time they acknowledge the slight job increase casinos will bring aren’t new jobs but replacements for ones lost to casinos by surrounding businesses.

“This bill was worked out in secret by no more than three State House leaders and has been proven by the media to be a larded-up, special interest giveaway co-authored by the casino industry to help feather its nests at the expense of hard-working Bay State residents.”

CSM Release & Analysis Press Coverage

In an article published on October 11, 2011, the Associated Press reported on Citizens for a Stronger Massachusetts' detailed review and analysis of the gambling bill's supposed benefits. According to the AP article, Senate President Therese Murray "dismissed" the reports of potential job losses - unfortunately a recurring theme amongst Beacon Hill leaders - all the while admitting that the introduction of legalized gambling in Massachusetts could result in an initial decrease in state lottery revenues.

Click here for a link to the full article, published by the Boston Herald.

CSM Release: Economic Development & Local Aid Numbers are Troubling

Citizens for a Stronger Massachusetts issued the following release on October 11, 2011. 

Citizens for a Stronger Massachusetts Releases Gambling Analysis Documents

Today, Citizens for a Stronger Massachusetts released several documents containing detailed analysis of the proposed gambling bill. These documents can be found below.

Follow the Money (if you can)

Gambling Revenue Distributions

Gambling Timeline

Expanded Gambling & Local Aid

Future Local Aid Scenario