Tell Rep. Keller Not to Put Slots on Your Corner
Update: The bill has passed the committee 14-12. Rep. O'Brien stood firm, once again voting no. Rep. Thomas flipped, and Rep. Keller continued to sell out his constituents in South Philadelphia by voting in favor of predatory gambling.
Make no mistake, had Philadelphia legislators not been in favor of this bill, it never would have progressed — yet despite the absence of any hearings in Philly, these lawmakers ignored their constituents and voted on behalf of lobbyists.
This is not the end for this bill or for our fight. We know corruption runs deep, and it won't be rooted out in a day. But we've put our legislators on notice that we'll be watching, and we'll be holding them accountable.
Original post:
Yesterday, we saw a crucial victory in preventing predatory gambling in our city, when a Pennsylvania state House committee deadlocked over video poker legalization and the bill died in committee.
This victory was thanks in large part to your efforts — but our success may be short-lived unless you act once more. Please contact Rep. Bill Keller right now — before he casts his crucial vote later this morning on video poker — and tell him to vote “no.”
Contact his office now: 215-271-9190, 717-787-5774 or wkeller [at] pahouse [dot] net
When the House committee tied 13-13 on the governor’s video poker proposal, it was unable to send it to the floor for a full House vote. Credit goes to those of you who contacted Rep. Mike O’Brien, who did vote “no” — and thank you Rep. O’Brien!
Unfortunately, the committee, in a very unusual move, is reconvening this morning to revote, which means the governor has persuaded one of the other members who voted “no” to flip to a “yes.” So we desperately need one more “no” vote.
During yesterday’s hearing, Rep. Bill Keller inexplicably voted “yes” and we want you to contact him — right now — to urge him to change his vote to “no.” If we can accomplish this, then we’ll likely retain the 13-13 tie and the bill will stay stuck in committee. Rep. Keller is the make or break vote. He should vote “no,” just like Rep. O’Brien.
The governor wants to put five video poker machines in every Pennsylvania bar, tavern or restaurant that has a liquor license. Video poker machines are identical to slot machines; they have a different name but they are just as addictive. Indeed, if you go today to the casinos at Harrah’s Chester or Philly Park, you can gamble at plenty of video poker machines — why would Rep. Keller want to put these at your corner tavern?
When it comes to addiction, the #1 risk factor is proximity — so the more convenient these machines are, the more people will become addicted. If you go out for a newspaper, you’d be able to stop off and play video poker. And unlike a casino, a restaurant won’t be able to keep underage kids from gambling.
Rep. Bill Keller represents much of South Philly, including Pennsport, Whitman, Bella Vista and Queen Village. No matter where you live, please contact him. Tell him that unless he votes “no” then you’ll work to unseat him come the next election in 2010.
Please contact Rep. Keller now — 215-271-9190, 717-787-5774 or wkeller [at] pahouse [dot] net — and ask him to vote “no.” We’ll keep you posted on any developments.
Image credit: Flickr user otherthings
