We Are NY Horse Racing, a coalition of small businesses, labor unions, nonprofits and trade associations, today released a public opinion polls found that 68 percent of voters statewide and 75 percent of voters on Long Island support using the state’s union right to build new horse racing facilities at Belmont Park. Additionally, according to the poll, New Yorkers view horse racing as more profitable at 3 to 1 and widely acknowledge the sport’s importance as a driver of New York State’s economy.
In 2022, legislation (S09022/A10101) was enacted for the first time allowing the New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) funded the modernization of Belmont Park through state-backed bonds, marking a turning point in decades-long efforts to reimagine Belmont. The alliance plans to build on that success going forward.
Founded in September 2021, more than 50 members of We Are NY Horse Racing have engaged in dialogue with legislators, participated in legislative hearings, and organized grassroots events to educate and inform the public about the impact of horse racing on the New York economy. In 2022, the alliance expanded its efforts by launching a series of broadcast, cable and digital ads highlighting a diverse and dedicated group of individuals who can provide families with their family for the success of the New York horse race.
Today’s announcement marks a new phase of the coalition, which is launching a comprehensive campaign to secure the authorization needed to finance the construction of the new Belmont Park.
“The construction of the new Belmont Park will create jobs for New Yorkers, expand economic opportunity on Long Island and boost tourism,” said Jack Sterne, a spokesman for the We Are NY Equestrian Alliance. throughout the area. “That’s why New Yorkers here on Long Island and across the state strongly support this transformative economic development project. This year, our coalition is poised to go all-out. New York to demonstrate that the new Belmont Park is a win for our economy, for the state, and for all New Yorkers.”
Luis Vazquez, President and CEO of the Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the We Are NY Equestrian Alliance. “Three-quarters of the people on Long Island support the construction of a new, modern Belmont Park because it will create more jobs, more tax revenue, and more economic activity for Nassau County. This goal. within reach – and our coalition stands ready to bring the case directly to lawmakers during this session.”
Horse racing in New York State creates 19,000 jobs and more than $3 billion in economic impact annually. While these benefits reach every corner of the state, they are most pronounced in the areas surrounding the tracks, including Belmont Park in Nassau County, the Aqueduct Track in Queens and Saratoga Racecourse in Saratoga County. Since 2012, the NYRA has paid $180 million in taxes and fees to the State and New York City, while the Saratoga summer meeting generates an annual economic impact of nearly $240 million and is critical to tourism and hotel industry in the Upstream. This year’s Saratoga Summer Meeting marks the seventh consecutive year that attendance has exceeded one million.
To secure the future of the sport in New York, the NYRA plans to build a modernized grandstand at Belmont Park that will transform the facility into a world-class destination, boosting tourism to Long Island for many decades to come. To finance this redevelopment project, the New York State legislature must approve affiliated authority for the NYRA – importantly, the NYRA will be responsible for all debt obligations on the bonds and not any taxpayer funds are used for the project. In fact, taxpayers will get the value, because the NYRA will spend its own funds to upgrade Belmont Park, which is owned by the state.
The poll found a majority of voters (68%) in favor of the law giving this affiliation to the NYRA so it could modernize Belmont Park on Long Island. Both Democrats (70%) and Republicans (70%) support the bill by equal numbers, and support on Long Island is close to a 5-to-1 margin (75% support to 16%). protest).
Additional findings from the poll include:
* New Yorkers have a favorable view of horse racing – voters’ opinion of horse racing is favorable by a ratio of 3 to 1 (51% favorable to 17% unfavorable), with margins in Long Island doubled to 6-to-1 (66% favorable to 11% unfavorable).
* Voters want the state government to recognize the importance of the sport – the vast majority of New Yorkers (74%) believe it is “important” that the New York state government recognizes the importance of racing horse, with steady support from both Democrats (75%) and Republicans (78%).
* New Yorkers understand the economic impact of the sport well – three-quarters of voters (75%) admit that horse racing supports thousands of jobs and 72% acknowledge that the sport supports the economy around the racecourse.
The poll was conducted by Global Strategy Group (GSG) in June and July 2022. GSG conducted survey research to look at public perceptions among 1,141 New York voters statewide, with an error of 3.5%. The poll sample includes 100 registered voters on Long Island. To view the full ballot notice, click here.
This press release has not been edited by BloodHorse. If you have any questions, please contact the organization that produced the release.
