The hearings will be conducted by the Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies, according to an e-mail received yesterday afternoon by Plainridge Racecourse President Gary T. Piontkowski.

The notice proclaimed it shall be the duty of the panel to consider all matters concerning commercial and industrial establishments, casino gambling and gaming, industrial development, the racing industry, science and technology, economic development and several other business and research interests.

Piontkowski, who has been a prime mover for slots at racetracks for several years was thirlled with the news yesterday. "I'm elated gaming and expanded gaming is being considered for the harness track. We look forward to working for our horsemen, employees and the community of Plainville."

A story published in Friday's Boston Herald carried this for its headline:"400M to $1B State Budget gap feared."

House Speaker Robert DeLeo said at thursdays state budget hearing, according to the Herald's State House news service, he would peg the gap between budgeted and actual revenues at $500 million to 1billion.

Sen. President Therese Murry (D) Plymouth noted September's $243 million revenue shortfall and also called casinos in the Bay State 'inevitable.'

Jack GINNETTI