(WNY News Now) – Senator George Borrello has once again called upon Governor Hochul to engage in talks with Seneca Nation of Indians President Rickey Armstrong Sr. regarding the renewal of the gaming compact, set to expire on December 9. Despite a previous letter sent to the Governor urging prompt negotiations, Senator Borrello emphasizes the pressing need for action.
Albany – State Senator George Borrello has renewed his appeal to Governor Kathy Hochul to promptly initiate discussions with Seneca Nation of Indians President Rickey Armstrong Sr. as the expiration date of the current gaming compact approaches. The compact, which governs the operation of Seneca Nation casinos in Western New York, is scheduled to end on December 9.
Having already dispatched a letter to Governor Hochul on September 20, urging her to begin negotiations, Senator Borrello expressed concern that a full month has passed with no action taken. In his latest plea, Senator Borrello stressed the limited time remaining, warning that the fate of thousands of individuals and businesses hinges on a new compact being reached.
“The clock is ticking on the expiration of the current compact with just 52 days left. As the only New York State official who can approve a gaming compact between the state and the Seneca Nation, it’s imperative that Gov. Hochul agrees to a meeting with President Armstrong,” Sen. Borrello stated. “President Armstrong has repeatedly asked the governor to sit down with him and negotiate an agreement in good faith that is fair and addresses the needs of all parties, yet she continues to avoid the bargaining table.”
Senator Borrello clarified that any agreement reached would require approval from both the state Legislature and the members of the Seneca Nation before being submitted to the Federal Department of the Interior for final review and approval.
The economic significance of this agreement cannot be understated, particularly for Western New York, where the Seneca Nation’s casinos have a staggering $1 billion annual impact on the local economy. The livelihoods of tens of thousands of individuals, businesses, and families are intricately tied to the outcome of these negotiations, making it a matter of utmost importance.
Governor Hochul had previously recused herself from the negotiations, citing potential conflicts of interest due to her husband’s business ties with Delaware North. However, her husband, William Hochul, resigned from Delaware North on August 15, after which Governor Hochul confirmed she was no longer restricted from participating in the gaming compact negotiations.
“Now that the governor is no longer recused, there is no reason for her to delay meeting with President Armstrong,” Senator Borrello urged. “Time is running out. We need to get this done.”
Sen. Borrello’s district encompasses both the Allegany and Cattaraugus territories of the Seneca Nation of Indians, making this issue a top priority for him. Highlighting the cultural and economic significance of the Seneca Nation, he emphasized his commitment to representing their interests in the State Senate.
“The Seneca Nation territories and its residents are within the 57th Senate District, so this issue is a priority for me. Seneca Nation members and businesses are a significant part of our lives and culture, and I am proud to represent them in the State Senate,” Sen. Borrello said. “Their world-class gaming facilities and resorts are an important part of the hospitality and tourism economy of Western New York. The people of the Seneca Nation deserve a fair and equitable compact.”
The original Seneca Nation Compact, authorized in 2002, paved the way for the development of three Seneca casinos in Western New York. The terms of the agreement included the Seneca Nation’s payment of 25 percent, roughly $100 million annually, from the slot and video lottery machine revenue to the state. A portion of these funds was directed to each casino’s host city. In return, the compact granted the Seneca Nation exclusive rights to operate Class III casinos in Western New York.
Leave a Reply