Somerville's State Reps Split as Casino Bill Passes

A bill that would bring three resort-style casinos and a slot parlor to Massachusetts overwhelmingly passed through the state House of Representatives Wednesday with a vote of 123-32.

Among those voting against the bill were Somerville State Reps. Denise Provost and Carl Sciortino. Sciortino represents Ward 7 and much of Ward 4 in Somerville; Provost represents wards 3, 5 and 6 and parts of wards 4 and 2.

State Rep. Timothy Toomey, who represents Ward 1 and much of Ward 2 in Somerville, voted in favor of the bill.

The bill is expected to move to the Senate later this month.

Somerville State Sen. Pat Jehlen has voiced and state Sen. Sal DiDomenico, who represents two precincts in East Somerville, has supported casino bills in the past, and local media in his home town, Everett, has reported he supports the current bill.

All of Somerville's state legislators are Democrats. You can see the total roll call here.