The Capitol Pressroom for September 12, 2011

 

There is a renewed effort underway to pass a constitutional amendment in New York to expand options for gambling.  And not just an inch or two; this time proponents are pushing for the whole megillah, meaning MGM Grand, Flamingo, Vegas Strip-type casino gambling.  Up first on today’s show, we hear the “pro” side of the argument from James Featherstonhaugh, the President of the New York State Gaming Association, which represents racino operators.  
With the “con” side of the argument, we will hear from President of the Seneca Nation of Indians, Robert Odawi Porter.  Last week, before a hearing of the Senate Committee on Racing Wagering and Gaming, Porter argued that the state had signed a legal agreement in 2002 that provided tribes with “gaming exclusivity” in Western NY. 
Meanwhile, several of the Governor’s Regional Economic Development Councils met last week.  We’ll hear from Martha Robertson, Chair, Tompkins County Legislature about the progress being made by the Southern Tier council which she sits on. 

And
An update on recovery and clean-up efforts in the Southern Tier from Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo.