The slots package continues to evolve. Apparently, the Maryland Senate plans to up the share of the profits kept by slots operators by 10 percent:
Senators indicated yesterday that they anticipate some changes in that proposal as well, including an increase in the share of proceeds that slot-parlor operators would be allowed to keep. Miller said he expects the share retained by operators at the five sites authorized by the bill would increase from 30 to 33 percent.Meanwhile, the Baltimore Sun reports that Senate President Mike Miller continues to oppose a slots referendum. House Speaker Michael Busch continues to express his desire to see a resolution on this issue and much greater flexibility than last year:
"Both sides will look to fine tune a little bit, but the fact that they're moving legislation is important," Busch said.Slots legislation is speeding through the Senate but may face barriers on the floor depending on whether it requires a constitutional amendment:
Senate leaders said they expect the framework of O'Malley's bill to clear the Budget and Taxation Committee and make it to the full Senate by the end of the week.
"I think the votes are here probably to pass it," said the committee's chairman, Sen. Ulysses Currie, a Prince George's County Democrat.
Whether it will have the necessary support on the Senate floor is less clear. Putting a constitutional amendment like the one O'Malley proposed on the ballot requires a three-fifths vote in both chambers.
In the Senate, that will likely mean O'Malley will need votes from Republicans, who have not taken a unified stand on the governor's slots bill.
"The jury is still out," said Sen. David R. Brinkley, the minority leader, from Frederick County.
