State Senator Lisa Boscola issued the following statement regarding the PA Senate’s passage of Senate Bill 243, legislation permitting organizations with small games of chance licenses to offer raffles and drawings online or virtually during the COVID-19 emergency declaration:

“The passage of Senate Bill 243 in the Senate today is an important first step to provide much needed assistance to volunteer fire departments, veterans organizations and other non-profit organizations who rely on small games of chance fundraisers.  During the pandemic, small games of chance license holders have also been severely impacted through the loss of revenue caused by the inability to operate or congregate.

Volunteer fire departments, veterans organization and other small games of chance license holders serve an important purpose in communities throughout this Commonwealth, whether they were created to protect or communities, help serve the needs of our veterans or provide athletic opportunities for our youth.  Helping them survive is critical to our Commonwealth.”

Senate Bill 243 will now go to the PA House of Representatives for its consideration.

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