AFL-CIO supports legalization of slot machines in Md.

BALTIMORE, MD – (AP) The AFL-CIO supports legalizing slot machines in Maryland, saying slots parlors have the potential to create thousands of new jobs.

Maryland State and District of Columbia AFL-CIO president Fred Mason says the union's 300,000 members will work to persuade people to vote "yes" on this November's slots referendum.

Mason says in a statement that slots will help ensure that education is adequately funded. And he notes that Maryland is losing revenue to neighboring states that have slots.

The referendum would amend the state constitution to allow up to 15,000 slot machines at five locations.

Slots opponents quickly denounced the powerful union after its announcement Friday. Charles Graham, chair of Marylanders United to Stop Slots and a union member, says slots won't lower taxes or create good jobs. Instead, Graham says expanded gambling will make a bad economy worse.