Eaton eyes expanded gambling

By COLIN MANNING

N.H. Statehouse Writer

CONCORD -- Expanded gambling is seen by Senate President Thomas Eaton as a viable option for helping to fill the projected $300 million budget deficit.

Eaton told reporters on Monday he supports putting video poker machines at the state’s four race tracks, with the possibility of future expansion to include the state’s grand hotels in the North Country.

"We have to take a very, very serious look at that. That’s a very serious consideration," said Eaton, R-Keene. "The tracks have been kind of diminishing and this may be a nice way to bring them back."

It has been estimated the state could bring in as much as $200 million a year from expanded gambling, Eaton said. The four tracks are located in Belmont, Seabrook, Hinsdale and Rockingham, and the senate president said part of the legislation legalizing poker machines would require the host towns to approve the gambling expansion.

Also, Eaton said some of the money generated would likely be sent back to the towns, and there would be funding put aside to battle gambling addiction. While the tracks are privately owned, the state would own and operate the machines.

State Sen. Lou D’Allesandro, D-Manchester, is currently drafting a bill which would allow the machines to be placed at the state’s four race tracks. D’Allesandro has sponsored similar legislation in the past, only to have it rejected by the House.

Even though there has been a change in the make-up of the Legislature, an expanded gambling bill could once again be derailed in the House as Speaker Doug Scamman said on Monday he does not support expanded gambling at the state’s tracks.

"I don’t support that, never have," Scamman said. "I just don’t see any reason in introduce that here."

Gov.-elect John Lynch is not an ardent supporter of gambling, but he has not ruled it out either.

"Governor-elect Lynch would have to see convincing evidence it could be done without harming New Hampshire’s quality of life," said Lynch spokeswoman Pam Walsh.

With a $300 million deficit looming, Lynch has said he will not fill the void with a tax increase, especially not a sales or income tax. Lynch said what he would raise is the cigarette tax as a way to increase revenue for education aid.

Raising taxes is something Eaton said the Senate is not interested in.

"That’s not on our agenda," Eaton said.

Without raising taxes, bringing video poker machines could be the only way to address the state’s fiscal woes.

"We’re still going to be living within our means, so that’s the alternative," Eaton said.

As for Health and Human Services Commissioner John Stephen’s plan to revamp the state’s Medicaid system, Eaton said he and fellow senators will take a serious look at the proposal.

"I think he’s doing the right thing," Eaton said. "We can’t have 40 years without any changes."

Stephen’s plan, among other things, calls for more community-based care to keep seniors in their homes and out of costly nursing home care.

Lynch has not been a big supporter of the plan, saying more detail is needed.

Also high on the legislative agenda this year will be reform of the state’s ethics laws and health insurance for small businesses. In light of the three legislative ethics committee charges filed against former House Speaker Gene Chandler after it was discovered he failed to report $64,000 in gifts from lobbyists, there will be several bills filed addressing ethics and political contributions.

Eaton said he believes the system needs examination, but not a major overhaul.

"I would not want the pendulum to go too far one way," he said.

The senate president added the most important thing is for lawmakers to report everything they receive.

As for health insurance, Eaton believes the new insurance rating law known as Senate Bill 110 needs to be reformed, not repealed as Lynch has said he would do.

N.H. Statehouse Writer Colin Manning can be reached at 226-3633 or statehouse@fosters.com