FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
7/13/04
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SENATOR JOHN PIPPY AND REPRESENTATIVE MARK MUSTIO TO INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO BAN OWNERSHIP IN GAMING VENUES

State Senator John Pippy (R-37th) and State Representative Mark Mustio (R-44th) will be introducing legislation to ban elected and appointed state officials from holding any financial interest in the recently created gaming venues across the Commonwealth.

Both bills will mirror language originally proposed by Senate Majority Leader David Brightbill during the Senate's July 1 floor debate on the legislation that authorizes slot machines at 14 venues across the state.

During the debate, the Senate agreed to reduce the cap on financial interest from 5 percent to 1 percent, but Senator Brightbill's proposal to completely ban any participation on the part of state officials was defeated by a vote of 29-21 against the measure.

"It is time we revisit this proposal," said Senator Pippy, a supporter of the Brightbill amendment and the gaming bill. "This is an ethical issue at heart. Those who control and regulate these establishments should not have any financial interest in them."

Senator Pippy's bill would bar any financial interest by state officials in gaming venues, their holding companies, affiliates or associated businesses. It would also ban having a financial interest in those entities that manufacture or supply these gaming venues.

Representative Mustio will introduce companion legislation in the House with the same goal in mind. "We were elected to serve our constituents. The perception of financial gain is wrong and sends the wrong message from those of us that were elected to serve the public with trust," Representative Mustio said.

"Only the utmost ethical and professional standards should guide gaming venues and their operators, the state, and its elected and appointed officials," Senator Pippy said.

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