In November 2010, the State of New York entered into a Tribal-State Gaming Compact with the Wisconsin-based Stockbridge-Munsee Community Band of Mohican Indians. Under the terms of the Compact, which is now awaiting federal approval, the Tribe would be authorized to develop a casino offering table games and slot machines in the Catskill region as part of a land settlement agreement with the State. In the weeks following the agreement, concerns arose that the measure, which was effectuated without public input, could pose significant, fiscal implications for the State. In light of these developments, the Assembly Standing Committee on Racing and Wagering will hold a public hearing on February 2, 2011 to invite affected parties and industry stakeholders to provide testimony on the potential economic impact the new casino, if approved, may have on the State as well as its existing network of casinos, "racinos" and thoroughbred race tracks.

Oral testimony will be accepted by invitation only. Any persons invited to testify or wishing to present pertinent written testimony to the Committee at the above hearing should complete and return the enclosed reply form by Friday, January 28, 2011. It is important that the enclosed reply form be fully completed and returned so that persons may be notified in the event of emergency postponement or cancellation.

Oral testimony will be limited to fifteen minutes duration. In preparing the order of witnesses, the Committee will attempt to accommodate individual requests to speak at particular times in view of special circumstances. These requests should be made on the attached reply form or communicated to Committee staff as early as possible.

Ten copies of any prepared testimony should be submitted at the hearing registration desk. The Committee would appreciate advance receipt of prepared statements.

In order to further publicize these hearings, please inform interested parties and organizations of the Committee's interest in hearing testimony from all sources.

In order to meet the needs of those who may have a disability, the Assembly, in accordance with its policy of non-discrimination on the basis of disability, as well as the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), has made its facilities and services available to all individuals with disabilities. For individuals with disabilities, accommodations will be provided, upon reasonable request, to afford such individuals access and admission to Assembly facilities and activities.

J. Gary Pretlow
Member of Assembly
Chairman
Committee on Racing and Wagering

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Persons invited to present testimony at the public hearing on the financial impact of the Stockbridge-Munsee casino proposal on New York State and the racing industry are requested to complete this reply form as soon as possible and mail, email or fax it to: