HARRISBURG, June 22, 2005 – State Senator Vince Fumo (D-Philadelphia) issued the following statement in reaction to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s ruling on Act 71 of 2004. He was the chief architect of the law that legalized slot machine gambling in the Commonwealth:

     "I am glad that the court upheld the constitutionality of our actions on the night the bill passed, and I am glad it was a unanimous decision.

     "I am pleased that Pennsylvania can now move forward with gambling, to bring tax cuts, economic development, and jobs in a new industry to the people of our state.

     "This is a victory for the large majority of Pennsylvanians who support the legalization of slot machines, and a loss for right wing conservatives who oppose the will of that majority.

     "As we continue to deal with related issues in the Legislature, my main priority will be adopting additional measures to address addictive gambling."