A sad commentary

“This isn’t like alcohol,’’ said Representative Ruth B. Balser, Democrat of Newton. “It’s more like crack cocaine and heroin. We certainly could raise some revenue by legalizing those drugs and could probably put some people to work.’’

Representative Steven J. D’Amico, Democrat of Seekonk, said “gambling doesn’t create wealth. It takes wealth away. It’s a sad commentary on the state of affairs when casinos, racinos, slot machines are considered economic development.

“Today, I’m embarrassed. I’m ashamed and I’m sad,’’ he said.

State Senator Sonia Chang-Díaz, a Boston Democrat, said that while the bill would create jobs, it would eliminate others.

“Everyone in here knows this bill is going to take away jobs, jobs in other entertainment venues, other restaurants, and small businesses in this state,’’ she said.