(Albany, NY)- State Senator John J. Bonacic (R/C/I-Mt. Hope) released the following statement on today’s New York Racing Association (NYRA) public hearing. The hearing took place before the Senate Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee in Albany, and focused on the future of NYRA.

“Today’s public hearing was a productive discussion on the future of NYRA and how it will move forward,” said Senator Bonacic. “I am committed to working with the Governor to develop a positive and responsible plan that reflects the interests of all the stakeholders to privatize NYRA in a way that ensures a prosperous future. In addition, the Governor and the Legislature must do everything in its power to protect and enhance the racing industry. This industry creates 33,000 direct and indirect jobs and contributes $4.2 billion to the local economy.”

Those who testified at the hearing were; Jeffrey Cannizzo, Executive Director of the New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc.; Joe McMahon of McMahon Thoroughbreds; Richard Violette, Jr., President of the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association; Todd Shimkus, President of the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce; and Cynthia Hollowood, Member of the Saratoga Race Course Community Advisory Board.