Bill Would Provide Equal Share to Assist City/County Government Operations and the Culturals/Tourism Entities
(DEPEW, NY) Senator Dale M. Volker (R-I-C, Depew) today introduced legislation (S.6826-A) that would provide financial equity between the City of Buffalo and Erie County as it pertains to those funds generated by the new Buffalo Creek Casino.
"The casino in the City of Buffalo and Erie County is having a somewhat beneficial economic development impact and will be generating millions of dollars in revenues," said Senator Dale M. Volker. "This type of business also has a positive economic ripple effect throughout the region and it is exactly this reason why equal shares are justified. Both City and County Government services are utilized as well. From policing to providing social services, both the city and the county incur expenses that are not reimbursable. That is why equitable sharing of the revenues generated from the Buffalo Creek Casino is fair and reasonable."
Under current law, revenue from electronic gaming devices at tribal casinos are to be shared by the State of New York with the local governments hosting these casinos. However, no specific allocation is set forth in New York State Law. The new Buffalo Creek Casino, owned and operated by the Seneca Nation of Indians, located in Erie County and the City of Buffalo, is expected to generated significant revenues from its electronic gaming devices.
In order to ensure both local governments receive equitable amounts of revenues generated by this casino, Senator Volker’s legislation would provide fair shares for both government entities. Additionally, Senator Volker’s legislation would earmark 3.5% of their equal casino revenue shares to be dedicated to their cultural and tourism entities to promote and market our region.
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