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Slots in Maryland, just say 'No'

Posted by Bwcarchives on

While United Methodists have been successful in keeping legalized slot machines out of the state of Maryland in the past few years, a new plan by Gov. Martin O'Malley calls for renewed action by people of faith, says Sumayya Coleman, Baltimore-Washington Conference legislative advocate.

O'Malley is calling for legalized slot machines gambling as a way to close the state?s 1.7 billion budget gap. However, The United Methodist Church opposes gambling as "a menace to society" and a "regressive tax on the poor."

United Methodists are also opposed to the calling of a legislative session in November to consider this issue because it denies the public the opportunity to participate in the process.

Coleman and other slots opponents are urging all United Methodists to send letters, make telephone calls, send e-mails and faxes to express disagreement, dissatisfaction, and chagrin concerning the special session.

It's also important for United Methodists to show up in large numbers at all the scheduled events (press conferences and rallies) for Prince George's County, Baltimore, city, Ocean City, and Western Maryland, she said. The dates will be scheduled soon. "It's ever so important that the message extend to anyone and everyone."

Delegates can be reached by phone at (410) 841-3800 or (301) 858-3800.

Contact information for delegates can be found by clicking on this link: http://www.msa.md.gov/msa/mdmanual/06hse/html/hse.html. 

We must, Coleman said, ?say ?no? to slots in Maryland.?

 

Contacts and Upcoming Events
1) Prince George's County: Minor will act as coordinator for this event.  The location will be the First Baptist Church of Glenarden,  I have been told that the capacity there is 4,000 people.   

2) Eastern Shore: Melanie Pursel from the Ocean City Maryland Chamber of Commerce will be co-ordinating.  She can be reached at 410-213-0144 or .  The location is still TBA.   

3) Western Maryland: Bill Valentine will be co-ordinating the effort in the west.  He is arranging a location.  To support Bill, please get in touch at 301-724-0212 or by e-mail at .

 4) Baltimore City: There is a possibility that we may move this event to noon so as to allow speakers to move from the PG event up to Baltimore.  Location is TBA.  Contact to participate or help.  410-715-5019.

 

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