Casino Bill Clears Public Policy Committee at Statehouse, Moves to Appropriations

Casino Bill Clears Public Policy Committee at Statehouse, Moves to Appropriations

Indianapolis, IN – Terre Haute is a big winner when it comes to the proposed casino; SB552 cleared the Public Policy committee on Wednesday.

“It feels great and it is so rewarding to see our community come together, come to the Statehouse and once again show that Terre Haute is a great community and collaborative,” said Senator Jon Ford, Representative for District 38.

Dozens of representatives from Terre Haute and West Central Indiana crowded the halls of the Indiana Statehouse to show support for SB552. Terre Haute Mayor Duke Bennett, along with members of the Chamber’s Casino Task Force, Chamber Board of Directors members, Terre Haute Police Officers, business owners, City and County Council and County Commissioners members including Commissioners Brad Anderson and Judy Anderson, City Councilman Earl Elliott, County Councilman Chris Switzer and more.

Testimonies in favor of the bill were conducted by Saint Mary-of-the-Woods President Dottie King, Sycamore Engineering Vice President Sara Smith, Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director David Patterson, Mayor Bennett and Chamber President David Haynes.

The committee passed SB552 10-0.

“I think it shows that when a community comes together, the legislature listens,” said Rachel Leslie, Partner, RJL Solutions, which led advocacy efforts. “I think what they saw here today is a community that is collaborating, fighting for their community… this is an exciting time for Terre Haute, the timing is right and there’s a lot of enthusiasm.”

SB552 now moves to the Appropriations Committee next week.