Patrick 'Welcomes' Cahill Plan To Gaming Debate

Gov. Deval Patrick says he welcomes the plan from State Treasurer Tim Cahill to license three slot parlors in Massachusetts.

WBUR's Steve Brown has more.

The treasurer's plan comes about a year after lawmakers shot down the governor's proposal to allow resort-style casinos to be built in Massachusetts.

Speaking to reporters this morning, Gov. Deval Patrick says he hasn't seen Cahill's plan, but welcomes his contribution to the discussion.

"We can't make the decisions that we have to make --particularly a decision as profound as expanded gaming-- based on short-term factors alone," Patrick says. "This is a long-term decision that needs to be taken with care, and I think it will be."

The slot plan to be presented by the treasurer predicts the state would get at least $2 billion in licensing fees and $240 million in tax revenues each year.