New York State Sen. Joseph Griffo, R-I-C-Rome, and State Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon, D-Marcy, announced today that legislation helping Vernon Downs Casino Hotel has been passed by the Senate and Assembly. Sen. Griffo was a cosponsor of the bill, which was introduced by Sen. Joseph Addabbo, D-Queens, while Assemblywoman Buttenschon sponsored the legislation in the Assembly.

The bill (S6832/A7572) permits Vernon Downs to use a percentage of the facility's revenue currently earmarked for capital awards, as well as revenue retained by the New York State Gaming Commission for administration, for operating purposes. Sen. Griffo helped to craft this proposal in 2017.

“I am pleased that this bill has passed the Senate and that we can provide additional assistance and support to Vernon Downs, which is critically important to the Mohawk Valley,” Sen. Griffo said. “This legislation will help maintain jobs at the facility, further protect the harness racing and breeding industry in in Central New York and preserve the amount of education aid that the facility contributes.”

“Vernon Downs is an important component of our community that not only provides jobs to Mohawk Valley residents, but contributes to the lively hood of harness racing,” Assemblywoman Buttenschon said. “It’s critical that we continue to ensure Vernon Downs has the ability to use additional gaming revenue to cover operating costs, especially in the wake of increased competition. This legislation is victory for our local economy and for the hundreds of employees at this facility.”

“I am proud to be a sponsor on Assemblywoman Buttenschon’s bill A7572. The extension of this tax law will allow Vernon Downs to continue operation,” Assemblyman John Salka, R-C-I-Ref-Brookfield stated. “The Downs has been an important economic driver for our community, and I am honored to work with the assemblywoman to keep this valuable resource sustainable.”

The legislation would go into effect immediately if it is signed into law by the Governor.

To view a recorded statement from Sen. Griffo, and Assembly members Buttenschon and Salka, please visit the following link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/19YRyZWQe30WB8nITCo7MF1ZeSPpo1XJD/view?usp=sharing