utica

State legislators pass gaming bill; includes Nation agreement

GateHouse Media, Inc.

Posted:  06/22/2013 9:13

  

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Legislators late Friday night passed Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s plan to expand gaming in the state on the last day of the 2013 legislative session.
The state casino bill contains the agreement with the Oneida Indian Nation, which grants the Nation exclusive gaming rights in a 10-county swath of Central New York in exchange for a share of slot machine profits. The Nation, the state and Oneida and Madison counties signed the agreement in mid-May.

Oneida Nation Representative Ray Halbritter released the following statement Friday night:

“The Oneida Nation commends the New York State Legislature for joining the Madison County Board of Supervisors and the Oneida County Legislature in approving this unprecedented agreement.  By working hard and selflessly together, the State, both counties and the Oneida Nation have resolved all of the legal disputes between our peoples, once and for all.  As we begin this next chapter, we  do so as partners working to  build shared prosperity for future generations, and a new trust to address any new issues that may arise. The unwavering commitment of Governor Andrew Cuomo, Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente, and Madison County Board of Supervisors Chairman John Becker played an essential role in making this moment possible."
A federal judge still must sign off on it, as must the federal Department of the Interior.
The gaming legislation also must go before voters for approval this fall as a referendum, but the agreement with the Oneidas will remain in place even if it is voted down.
Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi, D-Utica, released the following statement:
“By ending years of litigation and establishing a revenue sharing agreement, we will be better suited to hold the line on property taxes,” he said in a statement. “In addition, the Oneida Nation will retain exclusive gaming rights in the region, which will prevent an oversaturation of gambling facilities in our area. Now we can look toward the future together – finding ways to grow tourism and expand our economy.”

Sen. James L. Seward, R-Milford, said in a news release Saturday that "the public will make the final call, something I have advocated for throughout the discussion.  Should full-scale casinos come to New York, upstate communities that welcome the economic tool will be first in line."

The gaming bill includes the following details, which were previously agreed upon among the Oneida Indian Nation and local officials.
* The Oneida Nation, with its Turning Stone Resort Casino, gets exclusive gaming rights in the region.
* The state will get 25 percent of the slot machine revenue. Cuomo estimated that would amount to $50 million a year.
* The state will share 25 percent of that, or $12.5 million a year, with Oneida County. Madison County will get a one-time payment of $11 million to compensate for past tax claims.
* A permanent cap of 25,000 acres of land - 8,000 in Madison County and 17,000 in Oneida County - will be placed on the Nation’s ability to put land into federal Indian trust.
* The Nation will levy its own sales tax equal to that at non-Indian businesses, to make it easier for non-Indian businesses to compete.