Today’s agreement regarding reissuing the New York Racing Association’s franchise for New York State Racing is a much better agreement for our Western New York community, and specifically for our Batavia Downs. The past proposals we saw were negative for the Downs’ bottom line – however, today’s agreement benefits horsemen, breeders and the track. With the backing of Batavia Downs, I voted today in support of this plan and I am pleased to announce that the new plan has been passed by the Assembly. Although it has taken years for everyone to get on board, I am very pleased that we were successful in our fight to ensure Batavia Downs was protected in the new agreement. It was worth the wait.