Resorts World New York City Is a Sure Bet for Teachers, Transit Workers

For nearly 15 years, Resorts World New York City has been synonymous with not only entertainment, but also with opportunity, job security and upward mobility for thousands of union workers and their families. 

The RWNYC story began with union labor. From day one, construction of the Queens facility relied exclusively on union tradespeople, whose skill made it possible to complete the project within just 365 days, a remarkable achievement. Now, as the state stands on the verge of a decision that will shape the economic landscape of the downstate region, the process must prioritize proven partnerships and real benefits for working families. That is why RWNYC stands as a leading frontrunner for a commercial casino license.

The early record of partnership between RWNYC and union workers isn’t a footnote in the history of their facility, it has formed the foundation of RWNYC’s continued success. RWNYC continues to be the single largest employer of Hotel and Gaming Trades Council members in the entire state. Their dedication to employing union workers to operate and maintain their facilities in Queens, the Catskills and the Hudson Valley has translated to fair wages and job security for thousands of New Yorkers.

Just as important is the indirect support they have given to our public infrastructure – something that’s only set to grow in the years ahead with a full license in hand. 

RWNYC is already New York State’s largest taxpayer, generating more than $4.5 billion for our public education system since opening in 2011. Consider that a first-year New York City public school teacher with a master’s degree will make $75,017 – this means RWNYC’s contributions to the system have been able to pay almost 60,000 new educators for an entire year. Or, put another way, it cost an average of $36,293 to educate one student in New York State last academic year. RWNYC’s support would have educated more than 114,524 students – or one-tenth of New York City’s student population. 

That impact will only grow, with RWNYC charging toward the $5 billion-to-public-education mark by the end of this year. And that’s before they even receive a commercial casino license. 

Public education will continue to benefit if RWNYC is enabled to realize a $5.5 billion vision for the largest integrated resort in the U.S. – one that began to form in partnership with the State of New York more than 15 years ago. 

Our transit workers will benefit from this as much as our teachers. RWNYC projects that, between fees and incremental revenue, they’ll send $1 billion to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority within the first five years of receiving a license. Half of that would come right away, through the commercial license fee – effectively covering this year’s projected $211 million budget gap two times over (with money left to spend). 

At a time when Washington is playing musical chairs with funding, it’s never been more crucial for the State of New York to shore up its finances right here. Gaming will buttress our finances to give teachers and transit workers the support they deserve. Let’s bet on a sure thing.