State Rep. RoseMarie Swanger (R-Lebanon) was among House members voting in support of legislation which expands small games of chance opportunities for local community groups. She issued the following statement in reaction to final passage of House Bill 169, which will now be considered by the state Senate: 

“With passage of this piece of legislation, we are now one step closer to providing much-needed support for our nonprofit, charitable and civic groups that often use small games of chance as a way to fund and support projects in our neighborhoods. I am proud to say House Bill 169 includes my amendment from last session, which allows these groups to use up to 40 percent of the proceeds for operating expenses. 

“My constituents know of my opposition to gambling. One of the reasons I opposed table games, and would have stood up to the initial move into slots had I been in office at the time, is the impact expanded gaming has on organizations such as volunteer fire companies that often use small games of chance as an opportunity to give back to the surrounding community. This legislation will make their fundraisers more attractive to those who participate, in turn allowing our local neighborhoods to benefit. 

“This update to the Local Option Small Games of Chance Act is long overdue, with the bill having originally been passed in 1988. It is the culmination of town hall meetings held in my district and many others throughout Pennsylvania. As the legislation is now headed to the state Senate, my hope is that chamber will do the right thing and support these organizations whose dedicated volunteers work so hard for their members and their communities.” 

Rep. RoseMarie Swanger
102nd District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
(717) 277-2101
(717) 787-2686
Contact:  Scott B. Little
slittle@pahousegop.com
(717) 260-6137
Member Site:  RepSwanger.com
Caucus Site:  PAHouseGOP.com