SEMPOLINSKI: Governor Hochul ignores Seneca Nation Gaming compact

Assemblyman reacts to Hochul’s “State of the State”

From the Office of Assemblyman Joe Sempolinski,

Assemblyman Joe Sempolinski criticized Gov. Hochul for ignoring the expired gaming compact between the Seneca Nation and New York State in her State of the State handle.

“Negotiating a new gaming compact with the Seneca Nation is critical for the WNY economy,” Assemblyman Sempolinski stated. “Seneca Gaming and Entertainment generates more than $2 billion in economic activity for the region and the Seneca Nation employs more than 4,000 people, most of them non-native. A new gaming compact is essential to the economic well-being of the 148^th District and all of Western New York.”

The authentic gaming compact between the Seneca Nation and New York State expired in December of 2023. The Seneca Nation and state have signed a collection of extensions to maintain operations working whereas negotiations proceed. Local municipalities rely upon charges supported by the settlement to fund important providers like police and fireplace safety.

“It’s beyond time for the Governor to sit down with Seneca Nation President J.C. Seneca and negotiate a fair and equitable gaming compact that protects the interests of the Seneca Nation and New York State,” Assemblyman Sempolinski stated.

Assemblyman Sempolinski additionally famous that whereas the governor talked about making life extra inexpensive for New Yorkers, she didn’t clarify how she would do this whereas on the similar time paying for the brand new packages she outlined throughout her speech.

“New Yorkers suffer under one of the highest tax burdens in the country and its driving people out of New York to lower-cost states,” Assemblyman Sempolinski stated. “The best way to address the high cost of living is to get government out of the way, cut spending and lower taxes. I didn’t hear anything from the governor to make me believe she’s serious about cutting spending and making life more affordable for New York’s taxpayers.”

The state funds has ballooned from $177 billion in 2021, when Gov. Hochul turned governor, to $254.3 billion now.

“We have a serious spending problem in New York that the governor seems incapable of addressing. The state budget is more than a quarter of a trillion dollars. That’s irresponsible and indefensible. New York has no future as the tax and spending capital of America,” Assemblyman Sempolinski stated.

Assemblyman Joe Sempolinski represents the 148^th New York Assembly District, which consists of all of Cattaraugus and Allegany counties and parts of Steuben County. For extra data, go to Assemblyman Sempolinski’s website.