Legislative Updates By Delegate Mike McDermott

“Raising Awareness on Question 7”

(Snow Hill) Delegate Mike McDermott appeared today before the Worcester County Commissioners to provide a detailed briefing on what Ballot Question 7 will mean to Worcester County and the lower shore if it is approved by voters in November. The Delegate started off by stating, “Question 7 is about the business of gaming in Maryland and not the issue of gambling.”

Delegate McDermott stated, “Worcester County alone stands to gain millions in additional revenue that is currently being sent to Baltimore City and Prince Georges County”. As part of the deal that Delegate McDermott helped broker, the local impact money that is currently being sent across the bridge due to the original agreement will remain in Worcester County as soon as the other casinos come on line. “A vote for Question 7 is a vote to keep millions of dollars on the shore instead of sending it off to Baltimore City and Prince Georges County, and who on the Eastern Shore would oppose that?”

The Eastern Shore will also benefit from hundreds of new jobs created by the two shore locations when table games are allowed. These added opportunities will insure that Maryland remains competitive with surrounding states in the region.

The bill also allows for Veteran’s support organizations to operate non-profit slot machines with the proceeds being directed to helping Maryland veterans. “Maryland State government has labored in trying to keep up with the needs of our military veterans. This bill represents a significant boost to these organizations and will allow them to meet needs that currently go unmet throughout our state” said Delegate McDermott.

The Delegate went on to say, “It is impossible to overlook the thousands of jobs that will be created if Question 7 is adopted. Couple that with a dedicated $300 million school construction fund and you have a win-win for Marylanders during some very challenging economic times”.

The Delegate noted that the principle opposition to the expanded gaming in Maryland is coming from the surrounding states with casinos who want Marylanders to keep coming to their establishments. “When West Virginia and Delaware tell you Question 7 is a bad idea for Maryland, you certainly must consider their motivation and the hundreds of millions that they stand to lose if Marylanders keep their money in state”, stated Delegate McDermott.