Gambling Expansion To Be Introduced As State Lawmakers Begin New Term
HARRISBURG, Pa. (NewsRadio 1020 KDKA/AP) - The newest class of Pennsylvania state lawmakers, their family members and supporters are headed to the state Capitol for swearing-in ceremonies that will kick off the Legislature's two-year session.
Separate events in both chambers will be held on Tuesday, leaving both the House and Senate with substantial Republican majorities.
The House will consist of 121 Republicans and 82 Democrats, although one Democratic member who's pleaded guilty to federal corruption charges but was re-elected says she plans to resign Tuesday.
The Senate's margin is 34 Republicans and 16 Democrats.
The coming year is shaping up as a repeat of Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf's first two years, when tight finances and partisan disputes bogged down business and led to delays in passing annual state budgets. Wolf's budget address is Feb. 7.
Sen. Jay Costa, of Forest Hills, tells the "KDKA Morning News" he plans to introduce legislation for a "modest expansion of gambling."
Costa says the expansion in the state would include internet gaming, and I-Lottery, which would allow people to, "be able to purchase your lottery tickets online."
Regulation of online fantasy sports would also be a part of the legislation.
Costa expects, "[About] $100 million from the I-gaming [and] maybe another $35 million from some of the other areas. It's not going to be the big fix, but I think it's [part of] the natural progression of the industry."
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