To state Rep. Steve Santarsiero, D-31, for his principled vote against the expansion of gambling in Pennsylvania. The measure, which nonetheless passed the House and Senate, will allow the state's slots casinos to add table games.

The governor and lawmakers turned to expanded gambling as a source of added revenue during last summer's lengthy budget impasse. Santarsiero said he voted against the measure because it doesn't "require that revenue be dedicated to property tax relief immediately." He also criticized the legislation for going easy on casino operators by way of taxes and fees that are too low compared to other states.

"These rates are a giveaway to the gambling industry and they shortchange the people of Pennsylvania," Santarsiero said, noting that added revenue could help resolve a looming state pension crisis that otherwise will fall heavily on taxpayers.

But unlike the table games legislation, don't count on lawmakers finding agreement on an alternative to a costly, outdated pension system that long ago was retired by the private sector.

Joining Santarsiero in voting against the measure were Bucks County Reps. Paul Clymer, R-145; Marguerite Quinn, R-143; and Katharine Watson, R-144. State Sen. Stewart Greenleaf, R-12, also voted no.

Bucks County Courier Times, January 8, 2010