"It is inexplicable and deeply frustrating that the Senate failed to join the Assembly and governor to settle the Akwesasne Mohawk land claim to bring a casino to Sullivan County. I worked with the governor on an impact agreement to meet the Senate’s concerns, and contrary to claims, U.S. Representative Maurice Hinchey made it clear that Congress would have approved the one-casino deal. All the pieces were in place to get this done, but Sen. Bruno – who does not represent Sullivan County and does not understand our community’s needs – blocked the agreement and cost our area 4,000 full-time jobs, 2,000 construction jobs and countless benefits."