We, the undersigned, call upon the NYS Legislature and Governor Paterson to finally approve the efforts to make video lottery terminals at Aqueduct Racetrack at reality. Fulfilling the state’s promise from nearly eight years ago to bring VLTs to Aqueduct will result in much needed revenue for the horse racing and breeding industry and the state of New York.

Thoroughbred horse racing and breeding accounts for 55 percent of New York’s equine industry – the number one agricultural sector of the state’s economy. Thoroughbred racing and breeding produces 30,000 in-state jobs and billions of dollars for our economy. The current economic crisis and competition from our neighboring states threatens to devastate racing and breeding in New York.

We respectfully request the New York State Legislative leaders and Governor Paterson act quickly to our urgent need and save New York’s thoroughbred racing and breeding industry.