Progress For Maine Launches New Ad Exposing Kentucky-Based Churchill Downs' Attacks On York County Casino Plan

PORTLAND, Maine, Oct. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Progress for Maine announced today the launch of a new ad exposing Kentucky-based Churchill Downs Inc. for its alleged intrusion into Maine's election and for funding attacks on Question 1, which will generate $45 million annually in new revenue for the state.

The ad highlights how Churchill Downs, which owns the Oxford Casino, wants to stifle growth of the gaming industry and prevent Maine residents from achieving the major economic boost that will accompany a York County gaming and entertainment venue. The project will create new jobs, tourism and funding for Maine schools, as well as veterans programs, seniors, tax relief and more.

Churchill Downs Inc. ? controlled by a Kentucky billionaire ? has used lobbyists and other special interest insiders to give hundreds-of-thousands of dollars to politicians to protect their gambling interests. The company has also been the target of numerous lawsuits over the years ? including a 2002 case in which a CDI employee sued the company for over $5 million in actual and emotional damages.

"It's unfortunate that an out-of-state company ? which has profited tremendously from gaming in Maine - is now trying to prevent more Mainers from benefiting from this industry," said Maine resident and Progress for Maine spokeswoman Rebecca Foster. "A York County gaming and entertainment center will generate new jobs, tourism and tax revenue opportunities and keep Maine dollars in Maine. We hope voters will see through this disingenuous effort by Churchill Downs and vote Yes on Question 1."

The full ad can be viewed here.

Progress for Maine believes Churchill Downs is trying to limit support for Question 1 among voters and even Native American tribes in an effort to limit competition and protect its own gaming interests and profits. Despite these efforts, the Aroostook Band of Micmacs recently announced its support for a York County gaming and entertainment venue after reaching an agreement in principle with the primary backers of Question 1.

By voting Yes on Question 1 this November, Maine voters will authorize the development of a new York County gaming and entertainment venue. The York County gaming and entertainment venue would: create 2,165 permanent jobs and 2,767 construction jobs; generate $64.4 million in new household earnings from operation of the casino, and more than $100 million in household earnings from construction; and create at least $45 million a year in tax revenue for the state. Portions of that revenue will be dedicated to funding for Native American tribes, Maine veterans, property tax relief, senior citizens and other priorities.

About Progress for Maine: For Jobs. For Schools. For Tax Relief.

Progress for Maine is dedicated to economic development and job growth in York County and across the entire state through the establishment of a new gaming and entertainment destination in the York County area. Progress for Maine supports a "Yes" vote on Question 1 on the statewide ballot in November. For more information visit www.ProgressforMaine.com and follow the campaign on Facebook and Twitter.

SOURCE Progress for Maine