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Earlier this month, Massachusetts Treasurer Timothy Cahill introduced a new piece of legislation that would bring slot machines to the state.  However, many believe that Cahill is only using the slot machines a means of diverting attention from more important issues.

At the moment the balance of the pension fund has hit an all time low.  In addition to that disaster, Lottery revenues are suffering a drastic decline.  The pension fund plunged drastically after a $17 billion dollar loss.  Lottery revenues have dropped a displeasing 5.5 percent.

Some critics consider Cahill scattered and inconsistent.  Before promoting slot machines, Cahill was set on bring full on land based casinos to the state.  At one point in time he was behind privatizing the Lottery, but has since then called the idea ill-conceived.

Cahill has projected that revenues from slot machines may be the answer to many of the budget issues currently challenging the state.  Cahill has promised up to $3.3 billion in licensing fees alone.  Not all member of the Massachusetts legislature supports slot machines and not all of those who do believe the lofty $3.3 billion projection.

Many lawmakers were put off by the opportunity to review Executive Branch budgets were interrupted by the review of Cahill’s complicated plan for slot machines.

Massachusetts faces overwhelming financial problems and it may be true that slot machines are nothing more than a distraction.  State tax revenues plunged 16.4 percent last month.  According to Speaker Robert DeLeo the midyear deficit for the state could be as much as $500 million.

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