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You Did It, Voters: Casinos Are Coming To New York
By
Jen Chung
Published Nov 6, 2013
Modified Nov 6, 2013
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Nicole Woszczyna/Gothamist
By
Jen Chung
Published Nov 6, 2013
Modified Nov 6, 2013
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Besides electing public officials yesterday, New Yorkers voted on a number of ballot measures. And the biggest one was to allow seven Las Vegas-style casinos to be built in NY State. Voters passed the measure, 57.2% to 42.8%. And no one is happier than Governor Andrew Cuomo.
Cuomo issued a statement last night at 11:30 p.m. hailing the vote, "The passage of Proposal One is a big win for local governments, school districts, and taxpayers across New York State. This vote will keep hundreds of millions of dollars spent each year in neighboring states right here in New York, while increasing revenue for local schools, lowering property tax taxes, and bringing proper regulation to the industry."
"This vote builds on the landmark agreements we reached with Native American tribes this year, ending expensive court battles and unnecessary discord and restoring hundreds of millions of dollars to local governments," Cuomo's statement continued. "Since taking office, my administration has focused on reviving the state's economy, and today's vote will further pave the way for the creation of new jobs, construction, and increased tourism in communities across the state."
The Times-Union points out, "The statewide blessing, however, came despite apparent rebukes in several local counties, including Albany, Schenectady, Warren and Saratoga, which has been widely considered a strong contender to be the region's casino site." Upstate voters in Albany who opposed it told the paper, "I think gambling is just like any other addiction. It ruins families. ... (State officials) don't mind the gambling because they can make money off it," and "I think people will gamble who shouldn't, who really can't afford it. Those who are for it say, 'Oh well, you're creating jobs,' and I just don't think it's worth it."
NY Jobs Now, a coalition of business leaders and unions lobbying for the casinos, also listed the reasons why the measure will help, including, "Proposal #1 will send $430 million in new tax revenue to school districts, cities, town, counties - and create 10,000 jobs statewide" and that it will "bring billions of dollars back to our state, create thousands of good-paying jobs and generate hundreds of millions of dollars in new revenue for schools and local governments."
Four casinos upstate will be built first (the Catskills is eyed as one location); it's possible one will be built in NYC.
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ballot measure
casino
Election 2013
governor cuomo
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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