Institute report finds low growth in gambling revenue
By Jimmy Vielkind11:13 a.m. | Apr. 12, 2016
As four casinos push to open their doors early next year, a report from the Rockefeller Institute of Public Policy found minimal growth in gambling revenue for states over the last decade and intangible costs associated with increased wagering options.
According to the report, which is funded by former ambassador Harry Blinken, state revenue from gambling grew by 1.8 percent between 2008 and 2015 — largely attributable to new casinos in Maryland and Ohio. Additionally, gambling revenue (including lottery revenue) declined slightly in 2015 for the second consecutive year.
"State officials considering expansion of existing gambling activities or legalization of new activities should weigh the pros and cons carefully," study author Lucy Dadyan wrote.
Here is the study: http://bit.ly/1Q4InFx
At the WWTP rate increase hearing tonight.....the Board hit a home run!! It was an absolute delight to see and hear a well researched and well presented argument. These people are really very intelligent, and we are very lucky to have them doing the work they are doing. Well done boys and girls!!!!
ReplyDeleteDear Gadfly:
ReplyDeleteDuring my remarks at this evening's Town Board meeting. I misspoke regarding the STAR Exemption Program. The STAR Exemption only applies to our school district taxes. There is no penalty for taxpayers if the Town Board were to enact a Budget in excess of the tax cap.
I apologize for my error.
All the best,
~ Tom Grant
Dear Gadfly:
DeletePlease allow me a further point of clarification ...
As Councilor DiMartino said at last night's meeting, it is important to note that an increase in the Tax Levy in excess of the Tax Cap, would result in the elimination of New York State tax rebate checks for all previously eligible East Greenbush taxpayers.
Best,
~ Tom Grant
Aren't the tax rebate checks based on school, county and town taxes?
Delete6:46 AM:
DeleteYou raise an excellent question. Under the provisions of the current Property Tax Freeze Credit Program, each taxing jurisdiction is treated separately for the purpose of eligibility for the credit. So if the East Greenbush Town Board decided to raise the Town tax over the tax cap, eligible East Greenbush homeowners would not receive the Town tax portion of the tax credit in their rebate check).
For more information, I would suggest googling the phrase "NYS Property Tax Freeze Credit - Fact Sheet."
All the best,
~ Tom Grant
As "somebody" said to me tonight, the rate increase for most people amounts to a month's worth of cable TV service. Not exactly a deal breaker. If the agenda is to get to one district with equitable tax and usage rates, I'd say go with the program.
ReplyDeleteHere's the link to Ken Crowe's TU story on last night's rate increase hearing:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.timesunion.com/local/article/East-Greenbush-may-raise-sewer-rates-to-pay-bonds-7244817.php?cmpid=email-mobile
Related to "we dodged a bullet," will select candidates be run again next year for town board and county legislature and under what name will they run? JT&T called themselves "EG 1st" but that's not a party, it was just what they call a vanity line on the ballot. You built a ton of momentum last year, let's keep it going. Those legislators especially Fiacco and Danaher have not even come close to putting EG 1st. Shame on Danaher especially since he lives in the town. Du-quadplex anyone?
ReplyDeleteQuite frankly, I hope the "vanity line" becomes a party. We need to have three or four elections free of the Rep and Dem machines to rid the Town of the linkages, mechanisms and interdigitations with the old players.
ReplyDeleteinterdigitate
DeleteTranslate verb (used with or without object),interdigitated, interdigitating.
1.to interlock, as or like the fingers of both hands.
How does a vanity line become a party? Can what happened last year happen again or was it just happenstance?
ReplyDeleteYes, eg1st (or a similar independent group of citizens) can do it again. What is needed is energetic people for the huge number of petition signatures required, folks for signs, flyers, phone calls and fund raising. We will, of couse, need excellent candidates willing to work as hard as JTT did.
ReplyDeleteTonight is an important Town Board Meeting. We know that the vote will support the sewer rate increase as proposed by Tina and Jack. It's an important step forwards for our town.
ReplyDeleteAs a resident who has watched our town transition for the better, I am also seeing the first fracture in the professional working dynamic of our new Town Board.
I'm not talking about healthy disagreement or a dissenting vote. I believe that I'm seeing Mary Ann possibly beginning the switch over to mainstream negative politicking. I hope that this is not the case. The people of this town have given her a second chance and, up until recently, she has shown herself worthy.
It doesn't really matter if MAM's sewer rate solution is better or worse than Jack's and Tina's. Both will bring our town significant revenue relief. More importantly is how Mary Ann is handling this disagreement. Her public statements have been edgy and sharp. Rick's letter in the Advertiser seemed like nothing more than a political tactic to position himself for a future run for office.
It's clear that Mary Ann truly believes that her proposed solution is better but is there more to this? It seems that she has strategically shifted into a different mode.
There are no miracle cures for the mismanagement that we've weathered under the past few regimes but together this Town Board can accomplish so much. I'm hoping that Mary Ann remains a positive part of this process.
Thanks 2:08PM. I'll be watching MAMs actions very carefully from now on. JTT and Deb seem to be working together to actually begin the positive turnaround of our town. Any negative politicking by MAM should not be tolerated.
ReplyDeleteYou know what, why do people have to nit pick everything someone says? We make mountains out of mole hills!
ReplyDeleteWe don't always have to agree! How boring the world would be if we all thought and acted in concert. It doesn't make a person wrong or bad because of a difference of opinion!
You like a Honda and I might like a Chevy! So what?
We have great, honest, competent and trustworthy people on our board and they all will do what is in the best interests of the residents!
9:56- Sorry, but I'm not completely following you. Are you able to be more specific about what you are referring to in your first paragraph?
ReplyDeleteMaybe the previous comment that felt the need to give us a dictionary definition in case were weren't aware of what words meant? Or the fact that just because MAM opposes something theres deep conspiracy that her and Rick are plotting reelection? Newsflash, for starters MAM has been against this increase before a professional for quite some time now (CFAC even recommended seeking a professional study last spring). Also, who the flying hoot cares if their planninf reelectio, because no other politician does that?
DeleteTo the person who wrote "Any negative politicking by MAM should not be tolerated," what exactly does "should not be tolerated" mean? She's elected and she can do or say anything she wants. You all didn't mind the last couple of years when she was giving Langley hell at every turn. Do you really think she feels the need to continue that with the new majority? Nonsense! She's doing her job, the job she was elected to do. If she disagrees with JTT, has a difference of opinion, or has questions, we should welcome it because maybe some of us have the same thoughts, feelings or questions. The Matters have consistently been for good government, and I have seen no evidence to the contrary.
DeleteI believe that it is a minority's responsibility to "make a record" rather than sit by and say that minority status means that nothing can be accomplished. I've stated that directly to previous minorities on this Town Board, but the concept was often just not understood. Well reasoned resolutions can be offered my minority members, and they become part of the official "record," even if defeated. I tried to explain that to Mr. Langley on a couple of occasions, but it turns out that he was more interested in Mr. DeFruscio's visions.
ReplyDeleteIf the decision of the current administration on the WWTP question smelled like a political decision, it would be obvious. But we have a Supervisor who is a scholar and who knows how to do research and ask questions. We should be impressed by the knowledge network he's developing to help him do his job.
I was intrigued by the words in this string of posts, "first fracture in the professional working dynamic of our new Town Board." In observing town boards for years now, especially the last two years when Keith Langley was supervisor, I have come to realize that it is really the supervisor who runs the town and it is up to him to get the support he needs to get the job (as he sees it) done. The members of the new "majority" for the next four years are three separate and unique individuals who will likely agree most of the time on courses of action but certainly not all of the time. Board members disagreeing does not mean that there is a "fracture" in the professional working dynamic of the board; it does mean that there are five individuals, with different backgrounds and experiences, who won't always see eye to eye. It is for exactly that reason that there are five board members and not just one supervisor elected to run the town. This maximizes our chances of ensuring that the best decisions will be made for the town. At the end of the day, we think it would be nice if the new majority could happily agree all the time but if they don't, and they surely won't, they will have to either compromise until a decision is reached that they can all agree on or seek support for their differing positions wherever they can get it. When two board members fell out with the last supervisor, he was forced to reach out to the other two board members to get what he wanted. This supervisor will be no different depending upon how strongly he feels about a course of action. Again, this is good for the town, for the final outcome is likely to be the best possible outcome. If the members of the new majority agreed all the time, or were even able to compromise until they reached consensus, there would be no need or reason for a five member town board. Think about it.
ReplyDeleteAll I can say is thank goodness the people of East Greenbush saw fit to elect Supervisor Jack Conway and Councilpersons Tina Tierney and Tom Grant in the biggest landslide in the history of East Greenbush. We need to begin thinking about electing two more people to the town board in 2017 who are not beholden to the old ways of doing things and who are truly committed to putting East Greenbush 1st.
ReplyDeleteWe also need to freshen up the county legislature. Legislators Danaher, Fiacco and Bayly lobbied the 2014 town board hard for the casino and planned to benefit by it by setting up their own businesses on Rt. 4. Mr. Bayly owns his own construction company. These legislators were taking better care of themselves in 2014 than East Greenbush. The outcries of the public against the casino went unheard by them. Never forget.
DeleteAnd for heaven's sake, let's follow the EG1st example and drain the swamp by electing independent candidates in 2017.
ReplyDeleteAs I perceive it, the "controversy" about the sewer rates is a tempest in a tea pot. The administration plans to get to one sewer district with equitable property taxation and equitable usage rates - within 4 years. Done at a reasonable pace with proper study. They appear to be funding immediate cash needs with a lawful and equitable approach. I don't see much reason for a "beef."
ReplyDelete8:57, I agree with you. The sewer rate has little to do with it. This is all about Rick Matters attempting to position himself to run for office. The county republicans have frozen him out for a run for county legislature. The town democrats won't support him and the Town Republicans are completely disorganized. Maybe Rick is planning on creating his own "Rick Matters First" vanity line?
ReplyDeletePolitics as usual ! We will see next election who learned from the way the people voted for independents instead of party politics as usual.
DeleteRick Matters recent Advertiser articles were very informative and I appreciated reading them. I also appreciated reading Pete Stenson's series of articles...very informative. I'll take information any day of the week as opposed to what we got with the Langley administration (talk about freezing people out!) Different points of view are a good thing and it doesn't mean people who disagree with each other don't like each other. I miss Rick Matters on the scene and I hope to see his name again on a ballot.
Delete12:47: the articles might have been informative but would have been better if they were accurate.
DeleteThey're articles of personal opinion, who's to say someone is wrong for thinking one way. Can we move on from the honeymoon, if someone disagrees with JTT they're either supposedly plotting sonething or everyone jumps on the "but JTT is so awesome" bandwagon. We know they're awesome, the election results proves that, but good grief enough already with the conspiracy theories and butt kissing. Rick Matters has aways been involved, he's entitled to his opinion. Stop making it like he's a convict, the reason he can't run is because his employment contract doesn't allow him to.
DeleteThe reason Rick Matters can't run is because a Federal Judge wouldn't allow him to run. See Matters vs. Estes for the Judge's decision.
ReplyDeleteUnless he's retired.....
DeleteCorrect, and that's what I'm talking about with the conspiracy theories and being so conspicuous. Why just put Matters vs Estes"? Clearly you know what happened but of course it's EG politics and childhood tendacies clog the important things. Was Rick Matters wrong? Yes, but that has to do with him and his job. As 9:36 points out he cannot run as long as he works for NYSTA. He was not arrested, he was not fired, he just simply cannot run for office while employed there. Big deal, he used his work cell phone for personal use. Wrong? Yeah, not exactly as horrible and he paid the bill move on we have bigger fish to fry.
Delete10:26, The problem with Rick Matters is he has already demonstrated his unwillingness to separate his partisan political activities from his governmental duties.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure Rick Matters is a very nice person, but there must be other nice people interested in running for office who are able to serve without engaging in partisan political activities on the taxpayers dime.
If the last election is any indication, the voters of East Greenbush are eager to vote for candidates able to put "people before politics."
Stop being such simple minded people...Just because your aligned with a party DOESN'T mean that's the way one needs to vote Re: issues. If you believe in a resolution you stand behind it, if you don't vote NO... regardless of which side you "belong" to, if your REALLY for the people. Times have been changing...open your mind up & allow for people to do the right thing.
ReplyDeleteWow, is Rick Matters such a colossal threat that all this ancient history has to be dug up? Truth? The man was set up by operatives from the long gone McCabe administration who just couldn't take his good government malarkey anymore. They were calling him on the work phone about town business during the work day. In dutiful fashion, he returned their calls but unfortunately on the work phone. Bam! They got him! They filed a complaint with the IGs office, an investigation insued, he was fined, and it was over. When he wanted to run again, his employer was hesitant to approve it, maybe they wanted to make an example of him, so he sued for the right to run but a federal judge would not force his employer to approve the request. What McCabe & co. did to Rick Matters is beyond low but they did the same thing to Ann Taylor (messed with her employer). Between them, the Matters have 70 years with state government (35 & 35). Rick Matters payed for his error in judgement but it's not a life sentence, it's over! Only the mean jerks who were stomped out of existence last November are against him now. It's just the pure viciousness of insider politics continuing to rear its ugly head in EG. JTT strives to replace that viciousness with collegial professionalism. Rick Matters is neither gone nor forgotten. Good for us!!
ReplyDeleteThe "threat" Rick Matters presents is the return of the uncommunicative way of thinking of the previous administration. The team of Keith Langley and Rick Matters were virtually silent on most of the major issues. For whatever reason they were unable to effectively articulate a coherent vision for how to move the town forward. Say what you will about JTT, they have kept their campaign promises by keeping the people of EG in the loop on all major decisions. We need more independent and responsive representatives like JTT in town government. Let's move forward and elect more people who are able to communicate.
ReplyDeleteFor crying out loud! Stop with the BS and grow up! There's no reason Rich Matters can't have his opinion! You all seem to have yours!
ReplyDeleteAnd my personal opinion is that I think Deb and Mary Ann are also doing a good job for us residents! They've come al long way from where they once were!
GIVE THEM A CHANCE
Deb and Mary Ann should be commended for voting in favor of the sewer rate increase instead of Rick Matters foolish tax increase proposal. Most people have been pleased with the actions of Deb and Mary Ann as members of the JTT majority TB. They are doing a much better job than Rick Matters did when he served on the TB. They both seem to be working well with JTT. Rick Matters is an example of the past. The current five members of the TB seem committed to leading EG into a bright future.
ReplyDeleteRick is just voicing his OPINION! That doesn't make him wrong....you and maybe me just don't agree with it! He's a fine person
ReplyDeleteWhy all these posts about Rick Matters? His opinions are worth no more, or no less, than anyone else. He wanted the Town Board to impose an 8% tax increase on East Greenbush taxpayers to pay for the WWTP expenses. The entire Town Board, including Mrs Matters, said thanks, but no thanks, For what it's worth, I also think Rick Matters is a nice person.
ReplyDeleteAt least Rick Matters puts a name to his opinion. I understand I am posting anonymously but I'm not cowardly slandering a man's name by anonymously blogging.
ReplyDeleteOn another personnel political matter; has anyone heard that the assessor may be retiring and that Jack would have the audacity to NOT look for a new, competent one; but to hire back the OLD Sue McCarthy; is he that lazy that the Board cannot interview someone to make a fresh start; she not only retired with plenty of money; but then again came back on tax payers money to help the incompetent assessor to do her job. WOW nothing has changed! If this is true and he brings her back full time; he is gone within four years; he's already pushing alot of people's buttons by his cockiness behavior. They all take that position and they're head swells; and they truly think they're the President of the United States. Whatever.
ReplyDeleteI don't figure JTT avoiding the posting and interview process to fill town positions. Sounds like you're grinding and axe.
ReplyDeleteTo "sick of Jack already",Do you have any idea what your talking about?Or are you basing your information off of the Stewarts rumor mill?Lets not jump to conclusions,until we know the facts.But I guess thats what some people do in this town!
ReplyDelete