Brindisi: Vernon Downs Bill Does Not Go Far Enough

The state Assembly passed a major bill Wednesday night to help Vernon Downs.

But Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi says in his opinion, the bill did not go far enough.

Brindisi pushed a second bill that would save Vernon Downs even more dollars so the owners would not have to close the facility, but it did not pass.

The bill that did pass would save Vernon Downs over 200-thousand dollars a month to help cover their losses.

Brindisi says he'll continue to work to pass legislation to keep the track open.

Owner Jeff Gural had said he would close the racino if the Assembly didn't join the Senate in passing a tax relief bill.

The Mohawk Valley Nine, a bipartisan coalition of state legislators representing Herkimer, Madison and Oneida counties, today voiced their continued support for Vernon Downs.   The delegation says despite the apparent end of the 2017 legislative session, a return to the Capitol is expected and action to save Vernon Downs must be part of the agenda:

 “The calendar says the 2017 legislative session is over, but there is unfinished business in Albany and a plan to save Vernon Downs is at the top of the list.  We are committed to protecting this key Mohawk Valley business that employs 300 people, boosts our regional economy, and contributes $12 million a year to our public schools.  It is a sure bet that we will return to the Capitol to tie up loose ends and, when we do, a long-term solution to support Vernon Downs must be enacted.”