NH: Unlike Massachusetts, Independent Study

When pressed to conduct an Independent Cost Benefit Analysis (which has never been done in the Commonwealth), House Speaker "Racino" DeLeo dismissed the call and instead presented his "Slap Dash" legislation crafted behind closed doors by lobbyists and industry. The grossly flawed legislation will directly benefit his district which contains two race tracks, creating two slot parlors.

Except for 37 heroes who conducted their own research, considered the future of the Commonwealth instead of their campaign coffers and voted the facts, Beacon Hill Bobble Heads voted in lock step with the Speaker, beholden for favors and chairmanships.

New Hampshire instead opted for an independent study that raises significant issues that "Slap Dash" ignored.

The pros and cons of more gambling


The 15-member Gaming Study Commission released a report Thursday on its study of models for expanding gambling in the state and the impact that would have on New Hampshire's quality of life, backed up with reams of data from the New Hampshire Center for Public Policy Studies.

The commission, created by Gov. John Lynch last year, said it was not asked to support or oppose expansion.

"However, if policy makers do decide to expand legalized gaming, what matters is how carefully they do it — not how quickly," the report said.

"Expanded gaming would generate additional revenues and economic activity, but it would also generate additional societal and economic costs. A fully informed decision about expansion requires a business model analysis that accounts for both benefits and costs. Such an analysis should center on the state's long-term interests, not just short-term financial or other needs," the report's first major finding states...."



The report said given the gambling that already occurs across New Hampshire, the state should support an independent review of its current regulations to determine their effectiveness and the state's capacity to handle an expansion "to assure that the interests of the state and its citizens are being protected now." Ferrini said that one of the commission's recommendations is that a very well-thought-out regulatory structure be put in place prior to any expansion, one that the report recommends should be independent, accountable and thorough, and that the state follow up any expansion by monitoring what comes of it.





New Hampshire Governor Lynch said of the proposed Massachusetts legislation --



“Since when did we ever do anything in New Hampshire because Massachusetts is doing it? When Massachusetts wants to do something it makes me want to do the opposite.”