Gov. Rendell signs gaming bill

Publication Date: 2010-01-08

• Author:Amy Worden
• Publication:Philadelphia Inquirer

Gov. Rendell signed the bill legalizing table games in Pennsylvania's casinos yesterday, closing the book on last year's marathon budget process barely a month before he officially opens debate on the next spending plan.

But the same Rendell who only two days ago was threatening to lay off 1,000 state workers if the bill didn't pass chose to sign it behind closed doors. The governor said he had done so because of "reservations" about elements of the bill..

In addition, he said, he took issue with language creating exceptions to Philadelphia's indoor smoking ban. The bill allows smoking in designated portions of the two casinos planned in the city.

"I don't think it's an improvement to take away Philadelphia's right to set its own rules on smoking," Rendell said. "That part of the bill bothers me."