RethinkErie

REthink Erie Project Update: January 2010

Table Games Legislation
Thanks to the efforts of Senator Jane Earll, Representative Flo Fabrizio and our local delegation to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, table games legislation passed in the House and the Senate.  Governor Rendell signed the bill into law on January 7, 2010.  Our community now has four years to establish a community college.

To that end, we are developing a pro forma business plan reflecting projected available revenue, the use of existing space and equipment, and the delivery of programs that our community needs.  We are also preparing an economic impact study to quantify the projected return on our financial investment.  Lastly, we are continuing our work on the community college application for local and state consideration.  Completion of the pro forma, economic impact study, and application will give us a full package of information to present to a potential local sponsor.  

Table Games Revenue for Community College
The legislation directs two percent (2%) of local table games revenue to establish and maintain a community college in Erie County.  Early estimates are that this two percent (2%) will generate approximately $1.5 million.

The money projected is enough to launch a local community college making the best use of existing space and delivering programs to address the education and training needs of the business community and our residents.  REthink is also exploring other revenue sources, including grants and endowment funding to supplement table games funding.

It is important to note that once a community college is established, it becomes the responsibility of a Board of Trustees, appointed by the local sponsor, to determine the direction of the college and the funding needed to support that direction.

Leadership Team Membership
The Leadership Team has expanded to include Senator Jane Earll, Representative Flo Fabrizio, and Erie County Executive Barry Grossman.