A group of state lawmakers from the Mohawk Valley is asking for New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s help in pressing Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie to introduce a relief package for a racino.
The so-called Mohawk Valley nine, with Senators and Assemblymembers from Herkimer, Madison, and Oneida Counties, say they appreciate the governor’s willingness to support a relief package for the Vernon Downs racino.
The Rochester Democrat and Chronicle last week reported Vernon Downs owner Jeff Gural said he would close the gaming facility if a better revenue-sharing agreement isn’t reached.
Vernon Downs faces competition from the nearby Oneida Indian Nation’s Turning Stone Casino, which also plans to construct a casino in Madison County.
The lawmakers say 300 jobs will be lost if the Assembly cannot pass a bill. Critics have labeled the relief a casino bailout.
