Gaming Pushed Until Fall

A joint statement just came from senate president Therese Murray and house speaker Bob DeLeo, saying that expanded gaming legislation will not be debated in the legislature until after Labor Day.

That's a setback for DeLeo, who had been publicly pushing to debate gaming in July, once the budget was done. On the other hand, maybe this could be read as a sign that Murray does expect to move on gaming this fall, which would be something.

Below is the statement; maybe I'm reading into it something that I shouldn't, but I can't help but notice that health care cost containment -- Gov. Patrick & pres. Murray's top priority -- is not mentioned as one of the matters under "active negotiations." 

"The following is an update on the legislative schedule:

"Both the House of Representatives and the Senate are in the midst of active negotiations on a number of matters, including court reform and human trafficking. Recognizing the importance of creating jobs and growing revenue in Massachusetts, gaming legislation has also been the subject of discussion among the Governor, Senate President and Speaker.

"The Joint Committee on Economic Development will continue to carefully consider the bills before it regarding gaming legislation. To allow for public analysis and a full debate, both branches plan to debate gaming legislation in September after Labor Day."