Assemblyman David G. McDonough (R,C,I-Merrick) voted against legislation that will provide New York Racing Association (NYRA) with a 25-year extension on New York’s horse racing franchise.

“The Legislature’s leadership brokered a sweetheart deal for NYRA and all other race tracks, and singly excluded Belmont Park,” said Assemblyman McDonough. “There seems to be a pattern developing during this year’s Legislative Session, one that is not favorable to the residents of Nassau County. Belmont Park can be added to the growing list of how Long Island is getting shortchanged – our school district funding, freezing Basic STAR rebate checks, shifting the cost associated with fund programs, and additional fees and taxes levied on the average citizen. This legislation will do nothing to bolster Long Island’s economy or provide any incentive for economic development at or in Belmont Park’s neighboring communities.”

The bill adds $105 million in additional debt on New York’s already overburdened property taxpayers in the form of a bond to settle NYRA’s land dispute. This will essentially bail them out of nearly $75 million in back taxes and provide them with $30 million in operating capital for the next fiscal year. In addition, New Yorkers will be on the hook for an additional $250 million bond to finance the construction of a VLT gaming facility at Aqueduct.