United States
United Kingdom
Summary:
- Virginia lawmakers postponed a decision on a proposed casino in Tysons Corner, despite Senate approval.
- The decision has currently stalled in a House subcommittee.
- Reports that linked the developer to a paid study by George Mason University prompted scrutiny over academic objectivity.
Lawmakers in Virginia have delayed a decision on a contentious proposal to establish a casino and entertainment complex in Tysons Corner.
The bill, which has sparked debate over economic benefits and regulatory concerns, was shuffled between House committees before being tabled for further discussion.
The proposed legislation, Senate Bill 982, introduced by Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell, sought to include Fairfax County among Virginia’s eligible casino development localities. Proponents argue that the project would generate significant job opportunities and boost revenue for both the county and the state.
Despite securing Senate approval with a 24-16 vote, the bill remains stalled in a House Appropriations subcommittee.
“We’re Going to Keep Talking About It”
“We’re going to keep talking about it”, said Surovell, D-Fairfax, following Wednesday’s developments.
While it’s not uncommon for House leadership to reassign bills across committees, this maneuver came shortly after Del.
Paul Krizek, D-Fairfax, was expected to address the bill in the gaming subcommittee he chairs.
Over the weekend, during a public event in Alexandria, Krizek, who is also part of the House Appropriations subcommittee responsible for reviewing the bill, reportedly expressed his opposition to the casino proposal.
While recognizing the economic potential of a future casino in the Northern Virginia area, he emphasized a burning need for solid regulatory measures to manage the state’s expanding gaming industry.
I think we need to get a strong regulatory framework set up to oversee Virginia’s gaming industry, which is growing
To address this concern, Krizek is advocating for a budget amendment to establish the Virginia Gaming Commission, an independent agency tasked with regulating all forms of legal gambling in the state, except the Virginia Lottery.
Concerns Regarding Comstock-Clower Ties
The subcommittee listened to supporters emphasizing potential employment growth and increased tax revenue, as well as opponents questioning the bill’s viability and citing a lack of community support and limited site options.
Further scrutiny emerged after reports suggested a financial relationship between the casino’s proposed developer, Comstock Holding Companies, and George Mason University.
Documents revealed that Comstock had offered to fund a university study on casino development, which coincided with Professor Terry Clower’s change in stance.
The latter is the director of the Center for Regional Analysis at GMU’s Schar School of Public Policy.
In 2023, Clower described similar casino legislation as a “measure of economic development desperation”.
However, after Comstock’s involvement in commissioning a study, Clower expressed his support for the bill at a Fairfax County NAACP forum on January 7, stating, “I think it’s the best option going forward”.
This change of heart caused Sen. Jennifer Boysko, D-Fairfax, to express concerns in a letter to George Mason University’s President, Gregory Washington.
According to the letter obtained by the Virginia Mercury, Biysko raised issues regarding the Schar School of Public Policy’s transparency, reiterating that “residents expect a level of transparency and objectivity”.
