Bill > A03095

This bill modifies how funds from video lottery gaming (VLG) at various New York racetracks are allocated, fundamentally shifting resources away from horse racing support and towards education. Specifically, the bill redirects percentages of vendor fees previously designated for racing-related purposes—such as enhancing purses, breeding funds, and capital improvements—to the state lottery fund for additional grants to eligible school districts, with a particular focus on schools serving students with disabilities and preschool special education programs. The legislation affects VLG facilities at multiple locations, including Aqueduct racetrack, facilities in Nassau and Suffolk counties, an Orange county facility, and removes certain previous requirements about racing operations and purse maintenance. The bill eliminates most references to "racing support payments" and replaces them with "education support payments," effectively repurposing video lottery gaming revenue streams from supporting the horse racing industry to funding educational initiatives across New York state. This represents a significant policy shift in how revenue from gambling-related activities is distributed, prioritizing educational funding over horse racing infrastructure and support.

Budget and Finance

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A3095