Richmond, VA – UNITE HERE Local 25 Political Director Sam Epps issued the following statement in support of the Virginia Senate budget amendment establishing a Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission of a Petersburg casino option and preventing another referendum in Richmond before November 2023:

“With skyrocketing costs of living and our recovery from the pandemic well underway, casino workers in Virginia need jobs that pay good wages and benefits. Unfortunately, we are concerned that Urban One, the current developer for the proposed Richmond Casino, is going to create low wage jobs with poor benefits. That is why we strongly support further studying the state and local revenue impacts, so that we can ensure that any new casino creates equitable economic development and high-quality jobs.”

“Our industry is diverse. We are predominantly immigrants, women, and people of color – the workers disproportionately affected by income inequality and bad jobs. Workers need to understand how they will benefit from new casino development before it moves forward.”

“While we are grateful to City and Mayor of Richmond for their shared commitment to creating good jobs, we are concerned that Urban One may not share their goals. We urge the House of Delegates to concur with the Senate’s budget amendment for further study of new gaming development. Whether this casino is built in Richmond or Petersburg, it should be built in a way that benefits the community and the Commonwealth, not simply enriches a developer.”