Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller has introduced legislation, SB 950, to authorize slot machines in Maryland to help provide the funding needed for the 2002 Bridge to Excellence in Public Schools Act, school construction, scholarships, and racing purses.

The Maryland Chamber supports this bill. The bill is consistent with the Chamber’s policy, adopted by the Board of Directors in 2002, that the State authorize carefully regulated slot machines in limited locations to fund public education.

The State faces a projected $1.4 billion structural budget deficit. Marylanders are spending millions of dollars each year on this on slot machine gambling outside the State. Delaware and West Virginia are using these Maryland dollars to fund public priorities. Facing a budget deficit of its own, Pennsylvania also authorized slot machines, which are now online. Maryland should take immediate action to keep this revenue in state to help alleviate the economic burden that would otherwise be placed on Maryland’s businesses and taxpayers.

The legislation will be heard today in the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee. Maryland Chamber Vice President of Government Affairs Ron Wineholt will testify on behalf of the Chamber. You can view his position statement here.

Contact your State Senator and the Governor, and urge them to support SB 950. Click here to take action.