Activists On Both Sides Hold Events In NYC On Casino Issue
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Activists on both sides are making their cases about a proposed constitutional amendment to expand casino gambling in New York state.
Two events were held Thursday in New York City for and against the proposal that, if approved, would allow the development of as many as seven casinos across the state.
Activists On Both Sides Hold Events In NYC On Casino Issue
Opponents have launched a campaign to urge voters to reject the measure.
Democratic state Sen. Liz Krueger of Manhattan and state Conservative party chairman Mike Long said gambling would not bring the economic benefits supporters are touting.
"Casinos don't create new opportunities, they just suck whatever money there is in a community into the hands of whoever's running the casino," Krueger said.
Meanwhile, the state Democratic party co-chairman, Assemblyman Keith Wright, appeared with a labor and business
coalition.
Supporters say building up to four casinos upstate would bring over $94 million a year to New York City schools alone. Wright said the money also would create 10,000 new jobs around the state.
Activists On Both Sides Hold Events In NYC On Casino Issue
"It's a way to improve our schools all throughout the City of New York and the city is going to be the big beneficiary," he said.
If approved, the first four casinos would be based in three areas — the capital region of Albany-Saratoga, the southern tier and the Catskills. The location of the remaining three would be decided at a later date.
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