
The Connecticut Conference's Legislative Advocate Michele Mudrick has fought any expansion of casino gambling in our state, guided by existing Conference resolutions against gambling. She expressed frustration at the outcome of the vote, but did share that she and other advocates succeeded in convincing legislators to propose an amendment to the bill that would have allowed East Windsor residents to hold a referendum. That amendment failed late last night.
"That was so irresponsible," she said. "For legislators to reject an amendment giving East Windsor residents a voice in the process was immoral."
Mudrick has been leading the fight against casino expansion in the state by organizing groups and other denominations to join forces to oppose any casino legislation. She helped found The Coalition Against Casino Expansion in Connecticut, a group of 13 faith and ecumenical groups opposed to gambling., including the CT Conference.

An East Windsor casino is not a foregone conclusion at this time. Even if the Governor signs the bill, there will be several legal obstacles to come. MGM Resorts International has fought the casino for two years in order to prevent a loss of the gambling market once its new gaming resort opens in Springfield next year. The corporation has signaled its intent to challenge the legislation as a violation of the Equal Protection and Commerce clauses of the U.S. Constitution.
Despite a disappointing outcome, Connecticut Conference Minister the Rev. Kent J. Siladi praised the efforts of Mudrick in opposing casino expansion. "We are disappointed to see that CT lawmakers approved a Casino in East Windsor," said Siladi. "We have been working diligently to oppose this action through our Legislative Advocate, Michele Mudrick. We are grateful to Michele for her tireless work in assembling a coalition of people of faith from across the state to lead our anti-casino efforts. We do not believe that another casino is wise for our state and we will continue to lift our voices regarding what might well be further expansion of gambling in our state. "
Author

Drew Page
Drew Page is the Media and Data Manager for the Southern New England Conference, and a member of the Conference's Communications Team. He writes and edits news, blogs, and devotionals, produces video, and spends a week each summer as a Dean at Silver...