The Virginia Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee voted 9 to six Tuesday to ship the Tysons on line casino invoice to the total Senate.
The invoice would give Fairfax County the flexibility to ask voters if they need a on line casino in Tysons. The invoice took one other step ahead Tuesday.
Proper now, consultants estimate Virginians spend about $300 million yearly at MGM Nationwide Harbor, and a few Virginia lawmakers need to preserve that cash within the commonwealth.
Democratic State Senate Majority Chief Scott Surovell of Fairfax County is the chief patron and estimates {that a} on line casino and leisure district in Tysons would carry upwards of $150 million in new tax income for Fairfax County and billions for the state.
“Final 12 months, MGM introduced it was their primary performing asset outdoors of Las Vegas, and the one cause it’s primary is as a result of Virginians are going over the bridge,” Surovell stated. “From my perspective, we have to preserve that cash in our state in order that Virginians and Fairfax County residents can profit from the alternatives it might create.”
Nearly all of Fairfax County’s representatives assist the invoice, however some senators voted in opposition to it, together with Fairfax County’s Jennifer Boysko, Alexandria’s Adam Ebbin and Arlington’s Barbara Favola.
“The home at all times wins, and the persons are left holding the bag, and they’re right here and so they have persistently let all of us know the way they really feel about this,” Boysko stated.
Surovell instructed News4 he expects the invoice to get its first studying on the Senate ground Thursday. Payments sometimes require three readings earlier than a vote.
If it’s permitted, it might go to the Home of Delegates and would wish assist there earlier than it might advance to Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s desk.
Youngkin has made common statements prior to now that he doesn’t love the concept of playing and casinos, however the governor’s employees didn’t converse out in opposition to this invoice final week, not like different playing associated payments they opposed. The governor’s workplace sends employees to Normal Meeting committee and subcommittee conferences to talk in favor or in opposition to payments the governor has emotions about.
If the invoice passes, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors would wish to approve it and put it on the poll, and Fairfax County voters would have the ultimate say.
