The Seneca Nation is a major engine that keeps Western New York’s economy moving. A recently released independent report revealed that the Seneca Nation government and business enterprises generate nearly $2 billion in annual economic activity, support over 8,000 jobs, and pay out more than $540 million in wages.
 

Much of that economic strength is tied to a long-standing agreement between New York State and the Seneca Nation known as the gaming compact. First signed in 2002, it grants the Nation exclusive rights to operate casinos in Western New York in exchange for giving the state a share of revenue. This arrangement has driven regional growth for more than two decades.

That compact expired nearly two years ago, and efforts to negotiate a new agreement have stalled. The Seneca Nation has repeatedly proposed solutions and offered to meet in good faith. Albany, meanwhile, has failed to act, content to collect 25% of casino revenues under an automatic extension of the old compact.

Read the full op-ed: https://buffalonews.com/opinion/article_b5a29e9c-147b-4174-bee1-4600bdcf1450.html