A New York State Supreme Court justice hears arguments today in the legal fight over what critics call the one-sided wording of a casino referendum.
In a brief for the court, the New York Public Interest Research Group said the final language of the Nov. 5 ballot issue to allow casinos off Indian land should be neutral so that voters can make a decision based on facts.
Cuomo and legislative leaders added uncommon and glowing language to the referendum promising jobs, tax breaks and more school aid, things critics dispute. NYPIRG's legal brief notes that none of the potential drawbacks from casinos, like crime and gambling addition, are mentioned.
The Cuomo administration sought to have the legal challenge tossed out claiming it was filed after the deadline but the language was also released after the deadline had passed.
The referendum would approve seven casinos.
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