Toepel Pleased with Bipartisan House Vote to Allocate $1.8 Million of Casino Money to Montco Non Profits, Parks
HARRISBURG – Rep. Marcy Toepel (R-Montgomery) joined her colleagues in a bipartisan vote to dedicate $1.8 million of casino money for the 2014-15 year to Montgomery County parks and non profits: Mission Kids and Laurel House.
“I began advocating to direct this money to the district nearly four years ago on July 17, 2012. It has involved many hearings and conversations with my fellow legislators,” Toepel said. “We are one step closer to claiming nearly $2 million for two vital non profits and our local parks.”
Currently, revenue from Valley Forge Casino is not distributed for the benefit of Montgomery County as is done for all other counties that host a resort casino per the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act, Act 71 of 2004. Instead, revenue is currently spent without any influence at the county government level.
The legislation would ensure that the county’s five parks, five historic sites and 65 miles of hiking trails would receive 75 percent of Montgomery County’s local share assessment for slots and table games for the purpose of maintenance and refurbishment. Laurel House and Mission Kids, non profits that assist local families in need, would each receive 12.5 percent.
“The funding will work to counteract strained budgets and more effectively serve all Montgomery County residents, including those who are in need of the services provided by our county child advocacy center and domestic violence shelter. I look forward to our county claiming this money for the benefit of all,” Toepel said.
House Bill 2150 would also authorize Internet gaming, legalize slot machines at international airports and regulate fantasy contests.
Representative Marcy Toepel
147th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Alison Evans
aevans@pahousegop.com
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