Springfield City Councilor Sean Curran has called on Governor Maura Healey to reverse the decision to cut $3 million in casino mitigation funds from the state budget. This funding, sourced from a $20 million reserve intended for communities in western Massachusetts, has been a vital resource for Springfield in handling the expenses associated with hosting the MGM Springfield casino.
Springfield has relied on these funds for over a decade, using them to support essential public services and infrastructure. The mitigation funds have been crucial for financing police and fire services, improving traffic systems, and undertaking significant infrastructure projects, including the renovation of Court Square Park. Historically, Springfield has received approximately $3 million annually, but this year’s allocation plummeted to just $360,000.
Cutting these funds, Curran argues, breaches a long-standing commitment to the city. As he sees it, “The City of Springfield bears the greatest burden from casino-related traffic, public safety demands, and infrastructure needs.” The funds were promised to help address these very challenges. Redirecting the funds, he continues, places an undue burden on the city’s budget.
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) has been responsible for the distribution of about $56.7 million through the Community Mitigation Fund. This fund is sustained by taxes collected from the region’s major gaming establishments, including Springfield’s MGM, and Everett’s luxury resort and casino, Encore Boston Harbor (EBH). In June, the MGC reported that the state’s gaming sector generated a total revenue of $159.7 million, with MGM, EBH, and Plainridge Park Casino contributing $40.3 million in taxes.
These funds have supported various regional initiatives. For instance, they have expanded workforce and hospitality training at Holyoke Community College, Springfield Technical Community College, and Springfield Public Schools. Furthermore, the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department has depended on these dollars to operate the Western Massachusetts Recovery & Wellness Center, a key addiction treatment facility that was displaced during the construction of MGM Springfield. The Hampden District Attorney’s Office has also utilized the funds to bolster public safety programs.
Nearby communities, including West Springfield, Chicopee, Longmeadow, and Northampton, have tapped into the fund for infrastructure and economic development projects. The relief that these funds provide is not just about financial support; it’s about fulfilling promises made to these communities.
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission was slated to meet on Thursday to deliberate on the future of these mitigation funds. Curran emphasized that the state possesses the financial capability to restore Springfield’s share, highlighting the $8 billion currently in reserve. Restoring the funds for Springfield, in his view, is not merely an issue of fairness but a matter of honoring the commitment made to a host community that has consistently met its obligations.
If the funds are not restored, Curran warns, Springfield and its neighboring towns could face significant setbacks. The urgency of this matter underscores the need for state leaders to stay true to their original promise. However, not everyone shares Curran’s perspective. Some argue that the broader distribution of funds might better serve the region, potentially offering benefits to a wider array of communities in need.
Critics of restoring the full amount to Springfield point out that spreading the funds more thinly could enhance regional development beyond the immediate casino surroundings. They argue that the region as a whole could benefit from diversified investments, leading to growth and stability that might not be achieved by concentrating resources solely in Springfield. They also suggest that Springfield should explore alternative ways to fund its public services and infrastructure projects, perhaps by forging new partnerships or seeking additional state or federal grants.
Nevertheless, for those like Curran who remain steadfast in their belief that Springfield’s needs should be prioritized, the focus remains on ensuring that promises are kept and that the community has the necessary resources to manage the impacts of hosting a major casino. In this context, the meeting of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission is pivotal, as the outcomes could shape the financial landscape for Springfield and its neighboring communities for the foreseeable future.
Ultimately, the debate over these funds highlights a broader issue of resource allocation in regions affected by large-scale commercial enterprises. Balancing the immediate needs of host communities with the broader goals of regional development is a complex challenge that requires careful consideration and, ideally, a collaborative approach. As the state considers its options, the voices from Springfield and its advocates will continue to push for a resolution that honors past commitments while also considering the future prosperity of the entire region.
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