New Hampshire Governor Maggie Hassan has revealed her dismay at the news that the US state’s House of Representatives has rejected a bill to establish a 5,000-machine casino.
SB 152, which successfully passed through the Senate, failed to win support in the House despite claims that the new gaming facility would bring significant economic benefits.
Governor Hassan said it was “disappointing” that the state’s lawmakers had voted against moving forward with the bill.
“I remain committed to working with the legislature to finalise a balanced budget that restores the priorities that the people of New Hampshire support: job creation, higher education, economic development, strengthening our mental health system and protecting the health and wellbeing of our communities,” she said. “Without passing SB 152, the path will be more difficult, but the people of New Hampshire expect us to do difficult things. We must work together to keep our state moving forward and to ensure a brighter, more innovative economic future for all Granite Staters.”
Governor Hassan had previously warned that with Massachusetts moving forward with casino gambling, New Hampshire stands to lose $75m a year if it fails to act.
