Governor Signs Casino Equity Bill

State Senator Catharine "Cathy" Young (R,I,C - Olean) today announced that Governor Pataki has signed into law her bill to allow Cattaraugus County municipal governments which host the new Seneca casino, to receive 25% of the negotiated percentage of the net drop from electronic gaming devices.

"An inequity has been corrected." said Senator Young. Our local governments deserve to benefit the same as other areas with casinos, and we will now be brought up to par by sharing 25 percent of the casino revenues, instead of just 15 percent. The city of Salamanca, Cattaraugus County and the Salamanca school district will have revenues to offset their eroding tax base, so this will help all taxpayers in those affected areas."

"After working so hard to get this legislation through the entire process, I am particularly grateful to Governor George Pataki for his leadership and support in signing the bill," she continued. "I also sincerely thank Assemblyman William Parment for carrying it in the Assembly. This increase is a real boost to the entire region."

Under State law, Cattaraugus County is eligible to receive 15% of the negotiated percentage of net drop from electronic gaming devices the State receives pursuant to the compact from the Seneca Allegany Casino to offset these and other related costs (i.e. emergency services, roadway deterioration due to increased volume, etc).