We Stopped Casinos in the Senate. Now There is a Push in the House at the Last Minute!

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We’ve depended on you; Georgia Baptist Pastors, Associational Missionaries, and other Georgia Baptists interested in Public Affairs and what is going on at the Georgia Capital. With your help and Georgia Baptists contacting state Senators, you stopped SB 79, the “Destination Act” that would authorize two casinos in Georgia.

The House Didn’t Get the Message

This evening (March 2), it was discovered that the House Regulated Industries Committee will meet today at noon to vote on HB 158, the companion bill to the one stopped in the Senate. If the Committee approves HB 158, the full House will vote on the bill the same day. This means it is a last minute, desperate attempt by the gambling lobby to push through the legislation.

Like in the Senate, HB 158 isn’t called a casino or gambling bill but uses the term “destination resorts” to confuse voters. The word “casino” may not be there, but it will be impossible to hide the long term moral, social, and economic impact that will follow. Representative Wes Cantrell has a very good update on the subject: Would “Destination Resorts” in Georgia Boost our Economy? Don’t Bet on It!

Casinos will hurt Georgia families, local businesses and the state. (See Gambling Facts)

Your action is needed

Below are the names of the State Representatives on the House Regulated Industry Committee. Please call these legislators and ask them to OPPOSE HB 158. In addition to calling, if you click their name, you will be taken to their legislative page with additional information including email, Facebook link, and more.

House Regulated Industries Committee Members

Howard Maxwell, Chairman (R – Dallas) 404.656.5143

Brett Harrell, Vice Chairman (R – Snellville) 404.463.3793

Lee Hawkins, Secretary (R – Gainesville) 404.656.0213 

Karen Bennett (D – Stone Mountain) 404.656.0202

Beth Beskin (R – Atlanta) 404.656.0254

Sharon Cooper (R – Marietta) 404.656.5069

John Deffenbaugh (R – Lookout Mountain) 404.656.0202

Rich Golick (R – Smyrna) 404.656.5943

Jan Jones (R – Milton) 404.656.5072

Tom Kirby (R – Loganville) 404.656.0177

Chuck Martin (R – Alpharetta) 404.656.5064

Billy Mitchell (D – Stone Mountain) 404.656.0126

Alan Powell (R – Hartwell) 404.463.3793

Paulette Rakestraw (R – Powder Springs) 404.656.0177

Terry Rogers (R – Clarkesville) 404.651.7737

Dale Rutledge (R – McDonough) 404.656.0254

Mickey Stephens (D – Savannah) 404.656.0265

Andrew Welch (R – McDonough) 404.656.5912

Rick Williams (R – Milledgeville) 404.656.0287

Additionally, contact your State Representative to OPPOSE HB 158 if it passes committee and comes up for a vote in the House tomorrow. Click HERE to find and contact your representative.

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