Connecticut senators decided to stub the casino smoking ban out

The Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes have been pricing the victory that tribe- operated Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun gained Tuesday with the Connecticut Finance Committee refusing to take into consideration the amendment to the Clean Indoor Air Act that should have prohibited tobacco smoking on the casino floors.  

Ban supporters, among which were public health advocates and casino dealers, led by Richard Blumenthal, Connecticut Attorney General, wanted the law to completely ban smoking in casinos by 2011.

According to Senator Eileen Daily, the Committee members decided to drop the proposal since they had received numerous concerns, mainly related to the loss of revenue and the sovereignty issue. 

Sen. Daily stated that the Committee members were preoccupied with the possible violations of sovereignty of either Indian tribe and they were please to know that the governor reached the agreement with both tribal leaders.

Gov. Jodi Rell recently held negotiations with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Council and the CEO of Foxwoods casino to implement a limited smoking ban on the casino floor.  

She as well reached the agreement with Mohegan Sun owners on imposing similar restrictions.

"We consider the wisest solution is to hold negotiations and to come to an agreement by peaceful means instead of legislating and forcing to comply," declared Governor’s spokesperson. "In addition, it is also reasonable course since otherwise we risk to be faced with a lawsuit from Tribal Leaders with all the expenses related to it."

The Finance Committee Chairman admitted that the major impact on their decision to die the bill had the possible lawsuit of the tribes and loss of the $400 million of annual payments the state treasury gets from the local gambling industry.

Sen. Eileen Daily also said that the estimated drop in casino revenues with inevitable subsequent drop of the state revenues was a significant factor as well, since they collected data from the similar experience of other states confirmed authorities’ concerns.  

Meantime, Blumenthal said he has been deeply disappointed about the Committee decision to drop the amendment, which he named a rather wise balance between the desires of workers and visitors and difficult economic situation.  

Labor Union leaders together with the United Auto Workers Association that acts on the part of Foxwoods dealers were furious about Senators’ decision.

"We definitely would not give up doing our best until we secure the casino staff the right to work in a smoke-free, healthy and safe environment as all the Connecticut workers have," declared Foxwoods worker Chris Morrison.   

At the same time both tribes celebrated the bill stubbing out.

The Mashantucket Pequot Council secretary Lori Potter stated that the committee members made a wise decision since it was a compromise between the needs of the casino workers and the esteem of the tribe sovereignty and their right to launch their own health policies on casino floors. That has been a win-win decision for both parts. 

Mohegan Tribal Council Chairman Bruce Bozsum declared that the Connecticut legislators have showed their respect for the fundamental rights of Indian tribes that has been highly appreciated by the Tribal Council. He promised that Mohegan Sun administration would apply every possible effort to improve the work condition fro the dealers.

Mohegan Sun spokesman Lynn Malerba as well admitted that the casino administration would fulfill every request from every worker including the appeals to relocate dealers to nonsmoking table in case health complications are the issue.

She also confirmed the Management would track the nicotine levels in the air and install advanced ventilating and air conditioning technologies in order to diminish the hazardous effects of secondhand smoke on the patrons and workers.

However, The Attorney General declared that he would keep fighting to impose a total smoking ban on gaming floors in the nearest future.

Still, there is the diminutive possibility that the proposal might be approved before the legislature session ends on June 3rd. However, since the sum of money involved in that issue and especially when the state faces dramatic revenue shortage it is highly unlikely for the bill to be passed.