Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner (D-Round Lake), along with a bi-partisan delegation of Capital Region legislators, has delivered a letter to Governor Cuomo urging that the New York Racing Association (NYRA) be transitioned as swiftly as possible back to a private, non-profit racing association.

Co-signers of the letter were Assemblymembers John McDonald (D-Cohoes), Angelo Santabarbara (D-Rotterdam), Pat Fahy (D-Albany), Dan Stec (R,C,I-Queensbury), and Jim Tedisco (R,C,I-Glenville); Senators Hugh Farley (R,C,I-Schenectady), Kathy Marchione (R,C,I-Halfmoon), Betty Little (R,C,I-Queensbury), George Amedore (R-Rotterdam), and Neil Breslin (D-Delmar); Chair of the Assembly Committee on Racing and Wagering, J. Gary Pretlow; and Chair of the Senate Committee on Racing, Gaming and Wagering, John Bonacic.

“The horse racing industry is critical to our local economy here in the Capital Region, and the Saratoga Race Course in particular is a historic and economic fixture of our community,” said Assemblywoman Woerner. “Many of our rural and urban residents’ livelihoods are tied to the success of the racing industry through their hospitality, tourism, and agricultural ventures, and NYRA must be able to make long-term decisions that will ensure a positive future for horse racing in our area.”

Added Assemblywoman Woerner, “I was pleased to work with my colleagues in the Senate and the Assembly to advocate on behalf of the Capital Region community. This bi-partisan effort sends a clear message to the Governor about what is best for the horse racing industry and for our constituents.”