The Catskill Chronicle

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (October 26, 2013) – Sullivan County Legislative Chairman Scott Samuelson and Roberta Byron-Lockwood, president of the Sullivan County Visitors Association, have been named to New York Jobs Now.

A broad coalition of business leaders, labor unions, economic development professionals, and educators recently announced the formation of NY Jobs Now in support of Proposal #1, an amendment authorizing casino gaming on November’s ballot.

This statewide group joins Citizens for New York State Gaming, a Sullivan County-based grassroots organization that has been working to ensure passage of this legislation.

On November 5, New Yorkers will have the opportunity to vote on whether to amend the State Constitution and permit limited commercial casinos for regions in upstate New York. With approval of the referendum, the Upstate New York Gaming and Economic Development Act would permit up to four new upstate casinos in the Catskills, Capital Region, and the Southern Tier.

The Empire State Development corporation estimates over 10,000 construction and permanent jobs will be created by these four new upstate casinos, while also benefitting hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions. Proposal #1 also means hundreds of millions of dollars in new school aid, property tax relief, and aid to local governments. The New York State Division of Budget estimates $430 million in new tax revenue will be generated every year, with 100% of that revenue mandated as additional funding for education, property tax relief, or local government aid statewide. This funding is additional and will not replace existing state aid, including lottery funding for schools.

For more information, visit www.VoteYESforProp1.com.