NY Labor Unions Lead Rally in Support of Downstate Gaming

http://thebcw.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Casino-photo-640×480-1.jpg

“A Sure Bet for New York’s Future” Alliance continues to grow supporters with nearly 60 labor unions, businesses, faith-based and community organizations joining forces in support of a full-scale gaming license for Empire City Casino in Yonkers. The Alliance, which is co-chaired by the BCW, recently held a virtual rally led by New York labor leaders touting the many benefits for Yonkers, the Bronx, and the greater Westchester region. It is estimated that full-scale gaming at the casino would create 13,000 jobs, $75 million in additional wages, $400 million in private investment, and $1 billion in economic impact a reality for the region.

Think of all of the additional union jobs this would create for the building and construction trades men and women,” said Thomas Carey, President of the Westchester-Putnam Central Labor Body

“A full-scale license for Empire City would go a long way toward revitalizing the region. In 2019, Empire City Casino generated $307 million that went directly to education funding in our state,” said Samantha Rosado-Ciriello, President of the Yonkers Federation of Teachers.

“This has the chance to be life changing. We’re talking about thousands of good paying, family-sustaining jobs to a region that desperately needs them,” said Jodie Reaver, Political Organizer from the Southern Westchester Action Committee (SWAC PAC).

Richard McSpedon, Business Representative, Local Union #3 IBEW said, “A full-scale casino license for Empire City Casino will support the creation of thousands of union jobs. This project makes total sense for our communities.”

“Developing Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts into a full-scale casino means immediate employment opportunities for our trade brothers and sisters, including long-term maintenance work across the 93 acres of property,” said Edward Doyle, President of the Westchester-Putnam Building and Construction Trades Council.

“With just days away from the state budget being finalized, we are calling on the Governor and the Legislature to support a full-scale casino license and mobile sports betting access for Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts,” said John Ravitz, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Business Council of Westchester.

“Empire City Casino employs 300 Bronx residents,” said Lisa Sorin, President of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce. “A full-scale casino license for Empire City Casino will no doubt double if not triple that number.”

“I’m a Co-Chair of this Alliance because I know what a full-scale casino license for Empire City Casino, with retail and mobile sports betting and live table games, will mean for The Bronx,” said Marlene Cintron, President of the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation.