 |
|||
 |
|||
 |
|||
 |
|||
 |
|||
 |
|||
 |
|||
 |
|||
 |
|||
 |
|||
 |
|||
|
|||
The Greater Atlantic City Chamber would like to thank the following sponsors:
NJ Senate Bills S2519 and S1987
BURZICHELLI / MILAM BILL EASING CASINO RULESCUTTING RED TAPE BECOMES LAW
Measure Streamlines Casino Laws, Enacts Business-Friendly Measures To Help Resorts Maintain Edge in Competitive Marketplace
(TRENTON) -- Legislation Assemblymen John Burzichelli and Matt Milam sponsored to streamline casino laws and relieve Atlantic City's resorts from unnecessary regulatory burdens was signed into law today by Gov. Jon Corzine.
Burzichelli and Milam said the changes will help Atlantic City's casinos weather the recession by allowing them to maintain their competitive edge as more gaming establishments open in neighboring states.
"The deepening national recession and the pall it is casting over Atlantic City made it all the more important we gave casino management the tools they need to run their businesses more efficiently," said Burzichelli (D-Gloucester). "Time the casinos lose due to bureaucratic red tape is time they won't get back to ensure their businesses remain healthy and that jobs remain filled."
"Atlantic City is facing a double-whammy of recession and increased competition," said Milam. "Lifting some of the weight layers of regulation placed on the shoulders of Atlantic City can help casinos not only survive in this economy but emerge in a stronger position."
Some of the reforms codify in state law practices that the casinos and state had already undertaken. Others were the product of discussions between the casinos, the state Casino Control Commission and the Division of Gaming Enforcement -- a part of the Attorney General's Office.
The new law aims to help casinos and state regulators coordinate on background checks for potential casino employees and licensees, make it easier for casino security to stop suspected cheaters or underaged gamblers and create realistic timelines for casinos to meet state reporting requirements, among other changes.
The measure (A3691) also allows casinos to pay more for simulcasting rights for out-of-state horse races, which would allow them to take wagers on the Breeders Cup championships.
"Atlantic City is South Jersey's economic engine," said Milam. "Allowing for smarter, more efficient operations at the casinos can keep the doors open and safeguard tens of thousands of jobs."
"New Jersey's casino's need this regulatory relief to just not remain competitive, but to remain alive," said Burzichelli.
WHELAN-VAN DREW BILL TO ALLOW CASINO WORKERS TO RUN FOR LOCAL ELECTED OFFICE SIGNED INTO LAW
TRENTON -- A bill sponsored by Senators Jim Whelan and Jeff Van Drew which allows casino employees to run for local office was signed into law by Governor Corzine over the weekend.
"Particularly in these tough economic times, we need to be open to including all voices within government, and giving everyone a chance to serve," said Senator Whelan, D-Atlantic, and Chairman of the Senate Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Committee. "In the past, we've prohibited casino employees from serving on Atlantic City's governing body for fear that casinos may exert undue influence on local government. However, with so many local residents working in casinos, and with the City depending so heavily on the economic success of the industry, I think it's more than time that we remove the prohibitions and allow casino employees to serve their community."
"Casino workers do not forfeit their constitutional right to representative government when they take a job on the gaming floor," said Senator Van Drew, D-Cape May, Cumberland and Atlantic. "In the past, the restrictions on casino employees from holding public office have been overbroad, over-protective and overly burdensome, and no one should be forced to choose between giving back to their communities and providing for their families. By tearing down the barriers keeping casino workers from serving in public office, we are introducing needed diversity into the public discourse in Atlantic City."
The new law, S1987, amends the Casino Control Act to eliminate the prohibition on persons employed by a casino and members of their immediate families for running for local office in Atlantic City, provided that they were employed by the casino at the time they took office. The bill stipulates that any employee of a casino who becomes a member of the governing body of Atlantic City would have to consult with the Local Finance Board in the State Division of Local Government Services regarding any potential conflict of interest which may arise as a result of their casino employment. Finally, as an extension of the current prohibition on casinos making campaign contributions for State and local elections in New Jersey, any person working for a casino who runs for local office in Atlantic City would be prohibited from making contributions to their own campaigns.
"The success of Atlantic City and the success of the casino industry are forever linked, for better or worse," said Senator Van Drew. "The governing body of Atlantic City could benefit from the diverse perspectives and outlooks that casino employees have to offer. Thanks to this new law, casino workers will now be able to bring their talents and life experience to bear in order to benefit all of the people in Atlantic City."
"In our country, government works best when it includes people from all walks of life," said Senator Whelan. "Banning people from serving their community simply because of who signs their paychecks is damaging to the integrity of government and contrary to the values of a representative democracy. This law restores the rights of casino workers to contribute their skills and perspectives to public service, and ensures that everyone has a voice in their government."
The bill was approved by the Senate in November and was given final legislative approval by the Assembly last week.
 |
 |