“Delegate Mike McDermott: Bringing More Money To The Lower Shore...”

(ANNAPOLIS) -- “As one who wants to encourage an environment where jobs are created and positive movement in government whenever opportunity is found, I am supporting the Senate Bill 1 as presented by the Governor and the Senate” stated Delegate Michael A. McDermott (R - Worcester and Wicomico Counties) when asked about his take on Senate Bill 1 (SB-1), titled “Gaming Expansion - Video Lottery Terminals and Table Games.”

“In addition to allowing table games to insure that we can compete with gaming operations in Delaware, local revenues are enhanced to insure that more money remains at the local level. For the first time, money will flow from Prince George’s County to the lower shore when table games come online at the National Harbor site. This will significantly change the amount that local jurisdictions receive in support of schools, infrastructure, and public safety” replied Delegate McDermott.

Under Senate Bill 1, Worcester County will receive an additional $200,000.00 grant along with a 5% increase from statewide table games. That additional revenue will come in handy as local governments work to absorb additional cutbacks by the state in education and public works funding. The taxing formula will also change for Ocean Downs moving from a tax rate of 67% to 57%. This should help eliminate the deficits experienced by the ownership following a review of the previous annual losses ($2.25 million). The alternate rate should provide a stable base going forward.

Delegate McDermott worked vigorously to make sure Worcester County was included in the benefits that arose from this bill. “Expanded gaming in Maryland will have a significant impact on local jobs and expanded revenues for local coffers on the lower shore. I worked with representatives from the Governor’s Office along with leadership in the House and Senate to insure that Ocean Downs was protected and that local impact grants were increased for local governments. I also worked to protect certain provisions in the bill which keep in place restrictions to development at the Ocean Downs site such as: no hotels, and no convention center facilities. This protects the balance that is currently in place at the resort” stated Delegate McDermott.

Not only did Delegate McDermott stand for Worcester County during discussion on this bill, but he also supported American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars Posts across the state. Under an amendment to SB-1, these organizations will be allowed to place up to five gaming machines in their facilities. Half of all their proceeds must be donated to local charities while the other portion can be utilized by the organization to support our veterans. In response to this amendment, Delegate McDermott stated “This represents a huge victory across the state for these organizations and the charities that will be benefited by their benevolence. We know on the shore this has resulted in millions of dollars being shared back into our communities.”

“This bill will create thousands of construction jobs at a time when we are losing jobs by the thousands. It will create thousands of new jobs within the gaming industry, including the site at Ocean Downs. As all of this will occur in the private sector, this means more commerce at the local level and across the state. Real increases in tax revenue will be the result” concluded Delegate McDermott

SB-1 will be further debated on the Maryland House and Senate Floor later today.