WOZNIAK’S LEGISLATION TO MOVE CASINO LICENSE ADVANCES HARRISBURG – May 26, 2010 – State Sen. John N. Wozniak’s effort to relocate a casino license from Philadelphia to rural areas of Pennsylvania--including the Johnstown-Cambria County area-- moved a step forward today as his bill was approved by a Senate committee. “This is an issue of fairness and involves tax cuts for Pennsylvania property taxpayers,” Wozniak said. “We need to act now and move forward and put unused gaming licenses to work producing tax cuts.” Philadelphia received two casino licenses more than five years ago and still has no operating facility. One facility is under construction and is slated to open later this year. Wozniak said the Philadelphia casino developers have failed to hold up their end of the bargain. “One of them just fell flat on its face,” he told members of the Senate Community and Economic Development Committee today. “It’s had fits and starts but never got off the ground. Now the clock has run out.” Senate Bill 831 called for the casino license to be moved from Philadelphia to Wozniak’s district. Before the bill was approved by the committee, however, it was amended to provide that the Philadelphia license could be used anywhere in the state. “I think the industry is looking for a home town where it is welcome,” he said. “In rural Pennsylvania we are just as deserving as anyone else, plus we need new jobs and development.” Wozniak voted against the amendment, but said action to remove the Philadelphia license and open up the process is an important step. “I’m not opposed to fair and open competition for the license because I’m confident that the Johnstown-Cambria-Somerset region can compete and be successful in luring the license.” he said. “The important thing is that tax revenue begins to flow as quickly as possible.” Act 71 of 2004, which created the gaming industry in Pennsylvania, called for Philadelphia to receive two licensed facilities. One facility is now under construction, while the other has struggled with local opposition and finances. The southeastern Pennsylvania region already has facilities operating in adjacent Bucks and Delaware counties and a smaller resort facility will soon be open in nearby Montgomery County. Wozniak (D-Cambria/Somerset/Clearfield/Centre/Clinton) said that the region’s population base could support a casino and the market region has nearly 800,000 people. “The Johnstown-Cambria-Somerset area is home many fine recreation amenities and is easily accessible by four-lane highways to population centers in Washington D.C. and Baltimore,” Wozniak said. “The casino facility will enhance our region as a tourism destination point, help create jobs and produce much-needed revenues for struggling municipalities.” Gaming revenues generated from slots casinos are used to slash property taxes. Last year, Pennsylvania property taxpayers received more than $700 million in gaming revenues for property tax cuts. ###