Delaware’s three casinos are receiving a $9.9 million helping hand from the state after a late night in Dover.
House lawmakers approved the aid package earlier Tuesday morning after a multi-hour caucus session before the vote.
Rep. David Wilson (R-Bridgeville) voted for the bill, but says the state can’t continue to rely on these revenues forever.
“I realize that we have to balance the budget, but we should not be balancing the budget on the backs of people’s habits and as long as we continue to do that, we can expect to be sitting here the next year – I may not be here – discussing the same topic,” said Wilson.
House lawmakers didn’t bother with an amendment aimed at preventing mass layoffs at Delaware’s three casinos. That amendment backed by House Democratic leadership would’ve forced the casinos to return state cash if they lay off more than three percent of their workforce.
Rep. Dennis E. Williams (D-Talleyville) says the amendment was an effort to hold the casinos responsible for their request instead of just giving them a handout.
“If you go for a loan, then they ask you for collateral. If you go and ask for funding for a business, they want to see your business plan to show that you’re going to do certain things," said Williams. "The casinos asked for this money and they asked for it because they said they needed it to save the jobs.”
Legislators nearly left it as the final item of the 147th General Assembly before wrapping up work at around 3:30am.
Gov. Jack Markell (D-Delaware) has said he would sign the bill. Backers of the measure say they’ll return next year with further ideas for helping upright the gaming industry.