Union members and leaders gathered at a rally on Oct. 4, 2012 in support of Question 7, the ballot question that will add a sixth casino in Prince George's County. AFT-Maryland and the Baltimore Teachers Union were represented, along with the Maryland/DC AFL-CIO and the United Auto Workers. The UAW represents casino workers in New Jersey, Michigan, Ohio and Connecticut. (1090AM WBAL)
President English spoke at the rally (see video here), saying "A vote for Question 7 is a vote for more money for Maryland schools." State legislative analysts estimate passage of the measure would result in an additional $199 million for Maryland public schools, to be used for classroom and school construction. Baltimore City's share would come to $22.5 million, which is desperately needed to bring our city school buildings into the 21st century.
Supporters of passage of Question 7, the statewide ballot measure, say building a casino in Prince George’s County and adding poker and table games like blackjack and roulette at Maryland casinos would add as many as 12,000 good-paying jobs, including 2,000 construction jobs.
“A vote for Question 7 is a vote for economic growth and opportunity in Maryland,” said Fred Mason, president of the Maryland AFL-CIO.
Gaming expansion supporters and opponents have spent millions on both sides of the ballot issue, which voters will decide on Nov. 6. (Baltimore Business Journal, Oct. 4 article)