Jobs or addiction? Casino measure still divisive
By DAN O'REGAN
The passage of proposal one, the measure to allow up to seven Las Vegas-style casinos in New York, passed last week by a margin of 372,842 votes statewide. The decision has lawmakers championing the creation of new jobs while critics of the measure are still unhappy about the potential negative implications of widespread gambling in New York.
The unofficial results from the state Board of Elections show that, of the 62 counties reporting results, 57 percent of voters voted to pass the amendment and 43 percent voted against it.
"The passage of proposal one is a big win for local governments, school districts and taxpayers across New York state," said Gov. Andrew Cuomo. "This vote will keep hundreds of millions of dollars spent each year in neighboring states right here in New York, while increasing revenue for local schools, lowering property tax taxes, and bringing proper regulation to the industry."
Now that the amendment has passed, the state Gaming Commission will set up a committee to review proposals from companies looking to build casinos in upstate New York. The first four casinos, under a plan from the state Legislature will be designated for three regions including the Catskills, the Southern Tier and the Capital Region.
Read more at http://www.legislativegazette.com/Articles-Top-Stories-c-2013-11-12-85804.113122-Jobs-or-addiction-Casino-measure-still-divisive.html
