No to casino
As the General Assembly session is winding down, backers of the Narragansett Indian casino proposal for West Warwick are suggesting they might sweeten the pot for the state to entice legislators to agree to place the issue before voters in November. Legislators are worried if a casino is built in West Warwick, it may cut into revenues at Newport Jai alai and Lincoln Park, where video gaming produces millions of dollars in revenue for the state.
So as the session moved into its final weeks, the casino backers were trying to persuade legislators by suggesting that the state might even realize more money.
While gambling money is an enticement, it is dangerous. We risk making a dramatic change to our quality of life, the one element that is constantly identified as our greatest enticement in attracting and retaining companies and bringing quality employees to Rhode Island.
Just as we are concerned about preserving the environment, we need to resist efforts to build a casino that will put gaming within minutes of virtually every Rhode Islander. A gaming emporium in the central/southern section (West Warwick), another on Aquidneck Island (Newport Jai alai), and another to the north in Lincoln (Lincoln Park).
We wonder if this is the kind of job development growing companies are looking for, or whether they would prefer an environment that supports and encourages development of new technology and financial services companies, that helps maintain our manufacturing base, that supports a recreational industry that centers on our beaches and culture, rather than slot machines.
We’re concerned that once on the ballot Boyd Gaming will spend millions to win voter approval, in a television, radio and print blitz, the likes of which we have never seen.
We urge the legislature to say no to any further expansion of gambling in Rhode Island.
A delicate system
It is important to remember how badly the state workers’ compensation system was broken throughout the 1980s – when the courts were clogged and insurers left the state in droves, essentially giving up on the business – to appreciate why it is so important that it remain fixed.
The 1980s were a time when many small businesses were crippled by the soaring costs of workers’ compensation premiums. It wasn’t until business and labor camps truly came together that serious reforms took place – most of them between 1990 and 1992.
Through the reforms, The Beacon Mutual Insurance Company was established, other insurers returned to Rhode Island. Rates decreased. In many ways the state became a model for others.
But the system is a delicate one. And it is important not to get caught up in any hype that suggests that it is immune to change – to regression.
Over the past year the Workers’ Compensation Court has experienced its share of turnover. Judges have retired – others have announced plans to do so. The vacancies have been filled, though not always as quickly as we would like. Gov. Lincoln Almond has recently nominated candidates to fill two such vacancies – but others are expected this fall.
When these vacancies arise, we urge the legislature – and in turn, the governor – to act quickly. Yes, the workers’ compensation has improved. There are fewer cases. But we agree with the small business advocates who point out that the cases are even more complex – and as critical as ever to their survival.
Frankly, we were disappointed to see the state Public Utilities Commission operate without a full slate of commissioners for well over a year. There was no excuse for such a delay, and both the governor and the legislature share in that blame. Too much has been accomplished to right the wrongs of the workers’ compensation system in Rhode Island – let’s make sure those reforms are never shaken.