The Rhode Island House of Representatives OK'd a casino proposal by 65 to 8 tonight, according to the Providence Journal. It did not approve either of the amendments proposed.
The bill was introduced by House Finance Committee Chairman Helio Melo, D-East Providence.
Democrats in leadership positions pushed against a state tax rate increase should the voters in November approve full casinos at Twin River and . Rep. Brian Newberry, R-North Smithfield, who is House Minority Leader, wanted to see a 2 percent increase of the state's share of the casino revenues.
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State Rep. Charlene Lima, D-Cranston, wanted to see an even larger hike of 8 percent, according to the Providence Journal.
Supporters of the amendments, such as East Greenwich's state Rep. Robert Watson, said the leadership-inspired bill did not adequately address the needs of the state.
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Those opposed to the increase said the state has to consider the viability of the businesses and whether the tax increase would simply be too much.
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