Maryland slots referendum

The debate on whether the state should legalize the release of up to 15,000 slot machines at racetracks and other locations throughout Maryland took another turn yesterday when the Montgomery County teachers association announced that they would remain neutral on the November referendum.

The Montgomery County Education Association's (MCEA) Representative Assembly voted Wednesday to remain neutral, breaking with the Maryland State Teachers Association, who endorsed the proposal as a way to fund education in March. The MCEA represents approximately 12,000 teachers.

With Maryland voters set to decide on a contentious slots referendum this fall, the state Chamber of Commerce announced Tuesday that it was coming out in favor of the ballot measure.

"There is no realistic alternative to replace the revenue slots will generate for the state," Kathleen Snyder, the state Chamber's president and chief executive officer, said in a statement. "Recapturing money spent on slots in other states will help provide needed education funding increases and prevent future tax increases."

In November, voters will decide if the state should legalize the release of up to 15,000 slot machines at racetracks and other locations throughout the state.