|
Pippy to Introduce Legislation Banning State
Officials
from Ownership in Gaming Venues
HARRISBURG -- State
Senator John Pippy (R-37th) and State Representative Mark Mustio (R-44th) will
be introducing legislation to ban elected and appointed state officials from
holding any financial interest in the recently created gaming venues across the
Commonwealth.
Both bills will mirror language originally proposed
by Senate Majority Leader David Brightbill during the Senate’s July 1 floor
debate on the legislation that authorizes slot machines at 14 venues across the
state.
During the debate, the Senate agreed to reduce the
cap on financial interest from 5 percent to 1 percent, but Senator Brightbill’s
proposal to completely ban any participation on the part of state officials was
defeated by a vote of 29-21 against the measure.
“It is time we revisit this proposal,” said Senator
Pippy, a supporter of the Brightbill amendment and the gaming bill. “This is an
ethical issue at heart. Those who control and regulate these establishments
should not have any financial interest in them."
Senator Pippy’s bill would bar any financial
interest by state officials in gaming venues, their holding companies,
affiliates or associated businesses. It would also ban having a financial
interest in those entities that manufacture or supply these gaming venues.
Representative Mustio will introduce companion
legislation in the House with the same goal in mind. “We were elected to serve
our constituents. The perception of financial gain is wrong and sends the wrong
message from those of us that were elected to serve the public with trust,”
Representative Mustio said.
“Only the utmost ethical and professional standards
should guide gaming venues and their operators, the state, and its elected and
appointed officials,” Senator Pippy said.
# # #
|
