In Richmond, Virginia, the labor union Unite Here is lobbying state lawmakers to delay a second voter referendum on Urban One’s proposed casino resort, which voters narrowly rejected last November. The union wants legislators to put off the vote until 2023 so they can review plans for a casino in Petersburg.
Last month, the Virginia Senate Finance committee voted against legislation that would have allowed Petersburg to hold a referendum; it also blocked Richmond from holding a do-over vote for five years. Meanwhile, the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee proposed a budget provision that requires a study of a Petersburg casino and stops Richmond from holding another referendum.
Unite Here Local 25 Political Director Sam Epps said it wants to delay a second Richmond casino vote due to concerns that media company Urban One, the project’s owner, would “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. 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.” Unite Here also represents workers at the MGM National Harbor casino and resort.
Prior to the vote, Urban One promoted the casino by claiming it would create 1,500 permanent jobs paying an average salary of $55,000 and a $15 minimum hourly wage.
Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney said he still supports the casino project. He said, “We don’t want to see any delay. As I’ve said, I would reject anything that would harm opportunities for Richmond residents. And I believe the current language that’s in the proposed Senate budget does exactly that. Good paying jobs and career opportunities are at stake.”
