A New York State lawmaker has asked Governor Kathy Hochul to provide an update on the status of the state’s new compact with the Seneca Nation, according to an Olean Times Herald report.
US Representative Nick Langworthy, along with other lawmakers, has called for an update before the quickly approaching deadline.
The current gaming compact, which was established in 2002, is set to expire on December 9.
Up to now, negotiations to establish a new compact with the Seneca Nation have been slow.
Langworthy discussed the potentially negative effect not renewing the gaming compact could have on jobs. Casinos and resort jobs throughout Buffalo and Niagara Falls could be affected, something Langworthy said heavily impacts his district, as well as the Seneca Nation.
He said in a statement to local news, “Over a thousand jobs in my district and the Seneca Nation are dependent on this compact, and these employees deserve to know if their jobs are safe or if their gaming licenses are in jeopardy.
“Whether it’s a new compact or an extension of the current compact, Governor Hochul must provide a timely update.”
He went on to add, “We are just weeks away from the expiration of the State’s gaming compact with the Seneca Nation, and we’ve been left in the dark by Gov. Hochul.”
Other legislators have voiced similar concerns during the past few weeks. Senator George Borrello recently urged New York to establish a new gaming compact with the Seneca Nation before the end of the year.
Borrello told local news he sent Governor Kathy Hochul a letter near the end of last month to conduct negotiations with the Tribe “before time ran out.”
