Debate Over Casino Await Returning Lawmakers - 2004-01-04
For years lawmakers have been strong advocates on boards and commissions that manage billions of dollars in state assets. If voters give their approval this year, legislators will oversee but no longer control everything from the lottery to waste management, though no one's quite sure how it will work.
The reorganization of boards and commissions, a budget deficit, casino gambling and civil unions are some of the thorny issues scheduled to be debated in the legislative session beginning Tuesday.
With a potential two-year deficit of $226 million, the budget will be an immediate priority for legislative leaders. Republican Gov. Don Carcieri says the Democratic-controlled General Assembly can no longer dismiss the prospect of deep budget cuts.
Read the full story at GamblingMagazine.com 
