Bill to allow referendum on northern Virginia casino advances in legislature
ABC News
Legislation that would allow a referendum on a northern Virginia casino has cleared a hurdle in the state Senate
FALLS CHURCH, Va. -- Legislation that would allow a referendum on a casino in the northern Virginia suburbs of the nation’s capital cleared a hurdle Wednesday when a state Senate committee voted to advance the bill.
The bill would allow Fairfax County to hold a referendum on placing a casino, as well as a convention center and concert hall, in Tysons Corner, in the heart of some of the nation's wealthiest suburbs.
The favorable vote came even as civic groups and homeowner associations in the neighborhoods around the proposed casino are expressing opposition. Several senators noted that they have received hundreds of emails and letters opposing the plan.
Supporters, though, say the legislation merely allows the residents of the county to decide for themselves whether to allow a casino. They also note that the county's board of supervisors would have to sign off on a referendum as well.
The bill now goes to the Senate Finance Committee for another round of review. It would then need to pass the full Senate, and then the House of Delegates, and finally get the signature of Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin.
