(Long Island, NY) Today it was revealed that the recently enacted New York State Budget will allow Resorts World Casino at Aqueduct to withdraw $40 million annually from a fund that is supposed to be set aside to fund public schools. Resorts World is operated by the Genting corporation a multinational corporation that is one of the world’s largest casino operators. Assemblyman Gary Pretlow, Chair of the Assembly Racing and Wagering Committee has strongly criticized the diversion of funds out of public schools. AQE and the Education Law Center issued the following statement in response.
“Voters were sold on casino gaming in New York based upon the promise that this money would move from casinos into schools, but now $40 million that is supposed to go to schools will be moving into the pockets of a multinational casino operating. It’s a classic bait and switch,” said Billy Easton, Executive Director, Alliance for Quality Education.
“New York needs stability and predictability in school funding to districts and schools from year to year. This is not a good bet and one that should not be made where State’s constitutional obligation to provide kids with a ‘sound basic education’ is at stake,” said David Sciarra, Executive Director, Education Law Center
