GOVERNOR SIGNS LEGISLATION TO KEEP CASINOS OPEN

Atlantic City - Governor Jon S. Corzine today signed legislation that will enable casinos and racetracks to remain open under certain conditions in the event a government shutdown occurs due to the failure to enact a state budget.

“It is critical that the casino industry in Atlantic City not live under the threat of government shutdown like it did in 2006,” said Governor Corzine. “This bill ensures that the industry will remain open regardless of the status of state budget negotiations. Keeping the casinos up and running is critical for Atlantic City, for its hard-working employees, for the region and for the New Jersey economy.”

The bill, S1463/A2410, also establishes various procedures and compliance requirements unique to casino and racetrack facility operations that would apply during the state of emergency.

“The 4th of July weekend is primetime for Atlantic City’s economy, with visitors pumping in millions of dollars into hotels, restaurants and casinos in the resort,” said Senator Jim Whelan (D-Atlantic). “Not only do casino operators rely on the economic activity over the holiday weekend, but dealers, hotel and restaurant employees, support staff, and a whole host of workers in related industries depend upon every penny earned in the busy July month. Under this new law, Atlantic City’s economy will no longer be subject to hijacking based on budget stalemates in Trenton.”

“New Jersey’s casino and racetrack employees should never have to fear that a squabble in Trenton will leave them unprotected,” said Assemblyman John J. Burzichelli (D-Gloucester), chair of the Assembly Gaming and Tourism Committee. “Our casinos and racetracks are too valuable to the economy to be left dangling in the crosshairs. Casino and racetrack operators know the rules and should be given the benefit of the doubt that they can carry on business in the unlikely event of a state shutdown.”

Sponsors of the bill include Senator Jim Whelan (D-Atlantic); Senator John A. Girgenti (D-Bergen and Passaic); Assemblyman John J. Burzichelli (D-Salem, Cumberland and Gloucester); Assemblyman Ronald S. Dancer (R-Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean) and Assemblyman Paul D. Moriarity (D-Camden and Gloucester).

###


Photos from Governor Corzine's public events are available in the Governor's Newsroom section on the State of New Jersey web page.