By Matthew S.L. Cate
Staff Writer
Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue signed into law today a measure designed to shut down Rossville-based bingo games used to raise money for three Chattanooga charities.
The new law requires the Chattanooga groups to begin spending game proceeds “solely within the state of Georgia” or shutter their operation.
Several Northwest Georgia veterans groups sought the law, arguing the Tennessee-based groups were unfairly using a loophole in the existing law and drawing away players by offering flashier games.
Bingo is illegal in Tennessee.
The New Life Home for Boys, Chattanooga Firefighters Association and Fraternal Order of Firefighters have been hosting bingo nights since August.
Sen. Jeff Mullis, R-Chickamauga, sponsored the bill in the Senate. Every Northwest Georgia lawmakers signed onto the bill, which was shepherded easily through the House by Rep. Jay Neal, R-LaFayette.
“My job is to look after Georgia concerns and I’m very proud we got to do that with this legislation,” Sen. Mullis said.
E-mail Matthew S.L. Cate at mcate@timesfreepress.com
See tomorrow’s Chattanooga Times Free Press for full coverage.
