Jasper Packard: “as a cosponsor of H.R. 497, The National Gambling Impact and Policy Commission Act, I would like to encourage all of my…”

“as a cosponsor of H.R. 497, The National Gambling Impact and Policy Commission Act, I would like to encourage all of my colleagues, both Democrat and Republican to support the establishment of such a commission. With the recent explosion in the number of casinos across the country, concerns have been raised about the effects of expanded gambling Advocates of legalizing gambling promise economic growth, jobs, and windfall of tax revenues. However, we must also consider the negative impacts which include regulatory costs, lost productivity and more importantly, the social costs. This legislation would create a blue ribbon panel charged with the duty of conducting a comprehensive and objective study of gambling in the United States. Negative impacts of gambling on State and local economies, small businesses and families can no longer be ignored. Crime and social problems related to gambling could add to already overburdened criminal justice and social welfare systems. This issue is of particular concern to myself and my district because of largely unrestricted Indian gaming and its impact on the community. But this is more than a local issue. It is an issue of National social and economic importance. Mr. Speaker, the States, local governments and citizens need unbiased and factual information about gambling.”