State Senate Bill Sponsored To Add Local Casino Control

ALBANY- State Senators Liz Krueger (D-Manhattan) and Cecilia Tkaczyk (D-Duanesburg) introduced legislation aimed at “protecting the basic home rule rights of municipalities with respect to casino siting,” giving municipalities the final say over whether a casino development can move into their community. Currently, the language in Proposition 1, which was passed statewide last Election Day, indicates that the appointed members of a new gaming commission will decide which communities get casinos. The state Gaming Commission was expected to name the selection committee in January but have yet to do so. According to Proposition 1, three main aspects will be considered when the committee evaluates casino applications: economic activity (70 percent), local impact (20 percent) and work force enhancement (10 percent). Unlike other states’ gaming laws (such as in Massachusetts) a local veto over casino placement is not specified.