(TRENTON) – Legislation Assembly Democrats John Burzichelli, Ralph Caputo, Matthew Milam, Nelson Albano, Connie Wagner and Paul Moriarty sponsored to ensure Atlantic City remains a strong and competitive job creation and economic development engine was signed into law on Tuesday.
The laws:
· Improve and modernize casino industry regulation. Under the law, various regulatory matters under the Casino Control Commission will become the responsibility of the Division of Gaming Enforcement in the Department of Law and Public Safety (A-3517). It’s sponsored by Burzichelli, Caputo and Wagner.
· Establish the Atlantic City Tourism District, broaden powers and duties of Casino Reinvestment Development Authority and transfer the Atlantic City Convention and Visitors Authority and its functions to the CRDA (A-3581). It’s sponsored by Burzichelli, Caputo, Milam, Albano, Wagner and Moriarty.
“The casino industry is absolutely crucial to job creation and economic development in New Jersey,” said Burzichelli (D-Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland). “We’ve now taken great steps toward ensuring it remains a competitive attraction and a strong economic engine for decades to come. But our work is never finished, and we will continue to monitor our progress and adjust as needed to keep New Jersey a strong gaming destination.”
“I continue to insist that northern New Jersey be included in discussion about the future of gaming in our state, but I also am a big proponent of a strong Atlantic City and the benefits it brings to our economy,” said Caputo (D-Essex), who has sponsored legislation to create a commission that would examine bringing gaming to North Jersey.
“We need to ensure Atlantic City stays on the cutting edge and has a competitive advantage against the new wave of gambling offerings in other states,” said Milam (D-Atlantic/Cape May/Cumberland). “We can’t rest idly. We need to do better, and these laws are a step in the right direction.”
“A strong Atlantic City means a strong New Jersey,” said Albano (D-Atlantic/Cape May/Cumberland). “This is comprehensive effort will ensure our gaming industry remains strong and an economic driver for our state for years to come.”
“I continue to support eventually bringing gaming to North Jersey, but this is an effort to try something new to ensure a friendly, clean and safe casino district that will feature smart redevelopment and in and of itself promote Atlantic City and its offerings,” said Wagner (D-Bergen), who is also sponsoring the bill to create the commission to study gaming in North Jersey.
“These are strong steps to ensure Atlantic City remains strong and competitive, creating jobs and economic development and attracting visitor for years to come,” said Moriarty (D-Gloucester/Camden). “These are vital steps forward for this key focal point of our economy.”
The bills were signed Tuesday by Gov. Chris Christie.
