“I am pleased to announce that through diligent bi-partisan efforts and shared interests we have once again passed the 2017 Charitable Gaming Act in both the Senate and Assembly. For too long, thousands of churches, non-for-profits, Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs and Fire Departments, including the Stafford Fire Department, have suffered under the archaic and nonsensical restrictions. Now, if this bill is signed into law, these great organizations will be able to accept debit and credit cards for raffles, and purchase into these games over the internet.

“I applaud the work of Assemblyman Robin Schimminger (D-Tonawanda) for championing this cause in our house and Sen. Patrick Gallivan (R-Elma) for carrying the bill in his house. I urge Gov. Cuomo to do the right thing for these tremendous organizations and their selfless volunteers and sign this legislation into law immediately so that no more damage is done.”