Lawmakers gear up for busy end of session
Several major pieces of legislation remain as state lawmakers enter the final week of this year's formal session. Bills still on the table include proposals on allowing casino gambling, streamlining the siting of wind power plants, overhauling small-business health insurance and an economic development package.
Gov. Deval Patrick says there's still time for the Legislature to work out a compromise on casino gambling.
Patrick made the comments as he returned to Massachusetts on Sunday night after visiting U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan with four other governors.
The House and Senate have both passed gambling bills, but the two branches are at odds over several key issues, including whether to allow slot machines at race tracks in Massachusetts.
Patrick - who has opposed slot machines at race tracks - said he thought an agreement could be reached.
The governor also defended his decision to make the overseas trip during a critical time in the legislative process.
The formal session ends Saturday.
