Gambling bill to address new casino licenses - 2004-02-13
Lawmakers on Wednesday were figuring the details of a bill that will focus on the expansion of gambling in Iowa and might recommend how many new licenses regulators should approve.

"We discussed a number and that's one of the issues we're talking about laying out," said Rep. Scott Raecker, R-Urbandale, chairman of the House gambling subcommittee drafting the bill.

Raecker said the bill will not specify site locations and will not authorize new licenses.

Those decisions will be left to the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission.

In November the commission asked the Legislature to give some guidance on whether the state should lift a six-year moratorium on casino licenses.
Read the full story at Keokuk Gate City Daily

Wyden aide wades into Florence casino fracas - 2004-02-13
Sen. Ron Wyden's top staffer met with opposing sides of a casino dispute in Florence this week, saying the process of collecting information is just starting and it's too soon to determine whether an amicable resolution to the conflict can be found.

Josh Kardon, Wyden's Portland-based chief of staff, met for an hour each with members of People Against a Casino Town and the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians, indicating the conferences likely will spur further staff investigation.
Read the full story at Coos Bay World