Rhode Island House Republicans
  • Home
  • Reports
    • Minority Report >
      • 2022 Minority Report
      • 2020/2021 Minority Report
      • 2019 Minority Report
    • Gaming Contract >
      • Gaming Study Report
    • State of the State >
      • 2020 State of the State
      • 2022 State of the State
  • Representatives
    • Michael W. Chippendale
    • David J. Place
    • Sherry Roberts
    • George A. Nardone
    • Robert Quattrocchi
    • Brian C. Newberry
    • Brian J. Rea
  • Legislation
    • House Seating Chart
    • Commissions/Task Forces
    • Legislative Committee Membership
    • Legislative Dates and Deadlines
  • News & Media
  • Contact Us
    • Representatives
    • Media Contact
    • Caucus Staff
    • Interns
The Latest News and Media From the
Rhode Island House of Representatives Republican Caucus

House Minority Office Statement on IGT/TR Proposed Contract Bill Signing by Governor McKee

6/11/2021

Comments

 
News
The IGT/Twin River legislation just signed by Governor McKee overpays these multi-national corporations by $800 Million.
First, the state is getting ripped off by only taking 12.7% of our table game revenue. If we were to match Massachusetts’ 25% take, that would put an additional $400 million in state coffers. Next, Rhode Island will pay IGT 2.5% of slot revenues for what our independent analyst described as an unnecessary computer system. Meanwhile, IGT only charges Kansas 1% of slot revenues its computer system. Matching Kansas would net approximately $156 million for the state. Last, the state will pay $221 million more to lease slot machines from IGT and Twin River than if we just purchased them - like the 90% of casino owners across the country that purchase their own slot machines.
 
Democrats trumpet this as a “jobs saving bill,” which is not entirely accurate. The new legislation amends the state’s relationship with IGT to now count all sorts of non-employee independent contractors and outsourced staff towards its 1100 jobs mandate -- such as its army of lobbyists. Worse, the penalty for IGT’s failure to meet the jobs mandate is merely $7,500 per job -- although IGT/Twin River claimed during hearings that each job would benefit the State to the tune of $23,750. Why would the state agree to a penalty that is less than the benefit of its bargain?

The 20-year tech-based deal epitomizes backroom dealing, corporate welfare, and crony capitalism. However, it only authorizes the Governor to bypass public bidding laws and enter into this 20-year insider deal. He is not required to accept the plan outlined in the legislation, nor should he. To protect taxpayers Governor McKee should do the responsible thing and negotiate a better deal.
 
We hope he takes this opportunity to build a lasting legacy -- unsaddled by his predecessor’s bad deal -- and fights to keep more of the profits from the People’s casinos to fund education, public safety, environmental protection, housing, transportation, infrastructure, and reduce our tax burden.
​
ADDITIONAL GAMING CONTRACT INFORMATION
-30-
Picture
The Rhode Island House of Representatives Minority Office Membership (Republican) is comprised of the following representatives who were elected by constituents who live in districts throughout the Ocean State:  Minority Leader, Blake Filippi, District 36 (Charlestown, South Kingstown, Westerly, New Shoreham); Minority Whip, Michael Chippendale, District 40 (Foster, Glocester, Coventry); Deputy Minority Leader George Nardone, District 28 (Coventry); Representative Brian Newberry, District 48 (North Smithfield, Burrillville);  Deputy Minority Leader David Place, District 47 (Burrillville, Glocester); Representative Justin Price, District 39 (Exeter, Hopkinton, Richmond); Deputy Minority Whip Robert Quattrocchi, District 41 (Scituate, Cranston); Senior Deputy Leader Sherry Roberts, District 29 (Coventry, West Greenwich).  For more information, please visit our website at www.rihousegop.org  ​
Comments

    nEWS & Media


    All News
    News Releases
    Member Opinions
    Infographics
    Video Updates
    Podcasts

    stAY CONNECTED


    Sign up below to receive the latest News & Media from the Rhode Island House Republican Caucus sent directly to your inbox. 
    * indicates required



    ​FIND NEWS BY


    ​Member




    ​subject




    ​​MONTH




    YeaR




    TWITTER


    Picture

    ​SOCIAL MEDIA


    Facebook
    Twitter
    YouTube
    Instagram
    RSS Feed: News & Media

About rhode island house republicans


In 1636, Roger Williams, founder of Rhode Island, established the first working model of Democracy after being banished from Massachusetts for his “extreme views” concerning freedom of speech and religion. Thomas Jefferson and John Adams publicly acknowledged Williams as the originator of these concepts, along with the freedom of public assembly, in the First Amendment in the United States Constitution. Today, Rhode Island House Republicans uphold the liberties designed by our Founders and preserved in our Constitution, and are the primary legislative body promoting lean government, fighting for lower taxes, and advocating for initiatives and policies that improve the economy and in turn, the lives of Rhode Islanders.  As members of a part-time assembly, we are small business owners, retired educators, community activists, lawyers, farmers, military service veterans, volunteers, former local officials, retired social workers, coaches, musicians, churchgoers and board directors -- bringing these community engagement and professional experiences to our work, on your behalf, at the Rhode Island State House.

​2023 Rhode Island State House Republicans | 82 Smith Street, Room 106 Providence, RI 02903 | 401..222..2259 | Email Us
  • Home
  • Reports
    • Minority Report >
      • 2022 Minority Report
      • 2020/2021 Minority Report
      • 2019 Minority Report
    • Gaming Contract >
      • Gaming Study Report
    • State of the State >
      • 2020 State of the State
      • 2022 State of the State
  • Representatives
    • Michael W. Chippendale
    • David J. Place
    • Sherry Roberts
    • George A. Nardone
    • Robert Quattrocchi
    • Brian C. Newberry
    • Brian J. Rea
  • Legislation
    • House Seating Chart
    • Commissions/Task Forces
    • Legislative Committee Membership
    • Legislative Dates and Deadlines
  • News & Media
  • Contact Us
    • Representatives
    • Media Contact
    • Caucus Staff
    • Interns