Queens lawmaker, Assemblywoman Grace Meng, is leading a push to expedite the process of issuing casino licenses in the state of New York. Meng, who represents the 6th Assembly District in Queens, believes that streamlining the licensing process will not only create jobs and boost the economy, but also generate much-needed revenue for the state.
Currently, the process of obtaining a casino license in New York is lengthy and cumbersome, often taking years to complete. This, Meng argues, is hindering the state’s ability to capitalize on the lucrative gaming industry and compete with neighboring states like New Jersey and Pennsylvania, which have successfully streamlined their licensing processes.
“We need to cut through the red tape and expedite the process of issuing casino licenses in order to attract more investment and create more jobs in our state,” Meng said in a statement.
Meng’s proposal calls for creating an expedited review process for casino license applications, with strict deadlines and requirements for applicants to meet. The goal is to reduce the time it takes to issue a license from several years to just a few months, allowing for quicker development of new gaming facilities and increased revenue for the state.
In addition to speeding up the licensing process, Meng’s proposal also includes measures to ensure that communities where casinos are located will benefit from the economic opportunities created by the gaming industry. This includes requirements for casino operators to invest in local infrastructure, provide job training programs for residents, and prioritize local hiring.
Meng’s efforts have garnered support from other lawmakers, as well as industry stakeholders who see the potential benefits of a more streamlined licensing process. However, there are also concerns about the potential social and economic impacts of expanding the gaming industry in New York, with some critics calling for more thorough review and oversight of the licensing process.
Despite these challenges, Meng is confident that her proposal will ultimately benefit the state and its residents. “By speeding up the process of issuing casino licenses, we can create new jobs, boost the economy, and generate revenue for our state,” Meng said. “It’s time to cut through the red tape and make New York a leader in the gaming industry.”
