Building trades workers filled Gardner auditorium with a sea of orange shirts.

On Tuesday, June 8, 2010 the Massachusetts State Senate conducted a hearing on casino gambling legislation.  The hearing sets the stage for the possibility that Massachusetts will finally allow gaming after a series of failed efforts in years past. Earlier this spring, the Massachusetts House of Representatives passed its own version of gaming legislation, which included two resort style casinos and slot machines for the Commonwealth’s four racetracks.

Once again, the Coalition for Jobs and Growth, of which the GBLC is a member, had a large presence at the Senate hearing. Hundreds of unemployed construction workers who aresuffering in the worst economy since the great depression showed up to provide their support.  Wearing orange shirts, they rallied outside the State House before the hearing and then packed Gardner auditorium as testimony got underway.  

The GBLC will continue to support gaming, and remains hopeful that the bill, which will both create much-needed jobs and help replenish tax coffers, becomes law by the end of the legislature’s 2010 session.