Government Law Center at Albany Law School

09/21/2024

Every week, Government Lawyer in Residence Bennett Liebman prepares a digest with the latest gambling news in New York State and beyond.

Here are this week's highlights:
· SAFE Bet bill proposes federal rules on sports betting operators
· US election betting with Kalshi remains paused, court battle continues
· Nassau to study environmental impact of proposed Sands casino
· Political pressure grows as NYS faces casino license delays
· Wynn Las Vegas using special stock offering to recover from forfeiture of $131 million
· Western Regional OTB holds special Board of Directors meeting to further discuss leadership changes
· NYRA considers racing in Saratoga during July 4th weekend in 2025
· New study examines intergenerational effects of a casino-funded family transfer program on educational outcomes in a southwestern Native American community

Access the full digest at https://governmentlawcenter.omeka.net/items/show/615 or scan the QR code.

09/20/2024

Every week, Government Lawyer in Residence Bennett Liebman prepares a digest with the latest theater news in New York’s Capital Region and beyond.

Here are this week's highlights:
· Strong reviews of Capital Region performances: Maggie May, Seared, School of Rock, Red Maple, and more
· Theater community remembers James Earl Jones, from Broadway to Poughkeepsie
· Brooke Shields, Actors’ Equity Association advocate for federal funding for the arts as well as a bill providing tax benefits for theater industry workers
· Shakespeare & Co. reveals plans for 32-acre campus in Lenox, Mass.
· Manchester’s Royal Exchange Theatre cancels entire run of modern retelling of Shakespeare classic over references to Palestine and trans rights
Access the full digest at https://governmentlawcenter.omeka.net/items/show/614 or scan the QR code.

09/16/2024

This week's gambling news:

· Rep. Tonko and Sen. Blumenthal introduce federal SAFE Bet Act, public health approach to regulating mobile sports betting industry
· Buffalo mayor offered job as president of Western Regional OTB
· New York online casino proposal opposed by casino workers’ union
· Downstate casino license competition heats up
· Federal judge overturns Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s order blocking bets on U.S. elections
· Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) case likely headed to the U.S. Supreme Court
· Wynn Resorts pushes harder for its Manhattan casino proposal; forfeits $130M in settlement with DOJ over foreign customer betting

Every week, Government Lawyer in Residence Bennett Liebman prepares a digest with the latest gambling news in New York State and beyond. Access the full digest at https://governmentlawcenter.omeka.net/items/show/612 or scan the QR code.

09/16/2024

This week’s theater news:

• James Earl Jones’ legacy in Dutchess County and beyond
• Harbinger, Albany Civic Theater present national premiere of dementia drama
• AFL-CIO, entertainment unions unveil federal policy agenda for arts workers
• Vermont Arts Council announces grants to 86 arts & cultural organizations
• Florida communities reckon with impact of Gov. DeSantis’s cuts to statewide arts funding

Every week, Government Lawyer in Residence Bennett Liebman prepares a digest with the latest theater news in New York’s Capital Region and beyond. Access the full digest at https://governmentlawcenter.omeka.net/items/show/613 or scan the QR code.

09/04/2024

This week’s theater news:

• Local reviews: “Next to Normal” at Barrington Stage Company, “True Art” at Dorset Theatre Festival, and “Constellations” at Ancram Center
• NYC Cultural Affairs Commission announces $213.8 million in funding for 80 cultural nonprofits citywide
• SCOTUS Justice Sotomayor’s children’s book “Just Ask” to be adapted into a musical play
• Democracy takes center stage in Off-Broadway “The Ghost of John McCain” and “Fatherland”

Every week, Government Lawyer in Residence Bennett Liebman prepares a digest with the latest theater news in New York’s Capital Region and beyond. Access the full digest at https://bit.ly/3Zb4Z64 or scan the QR code.

09/04/2024

This week’s gambling news:
• Downstate casino license bill stalls as deadline looms
• Seneca Gaming facilities recognized in annual Best of Gaming Awards
• NY mobile sportsbooks report $36 million in weekly revenue
• NY Agriculture Department urges horse owners to vaccinate for eastern equine encephalitis

Every week, Government Lawyer in Residence Bennett Liebman prepares a digest with the latest gambling news in New York State and beyond. Access the full digest at https://bit.ly/47c8Txy or scan the QR code.

08/23/2024

We are back from summer break with a new look for this week’s theater news:

• A Third Space arts collaborative puts the focus on inclusivity in the Capital Region creative scene
• Schenectady County Historical Society program to put spotlight on Schenectady’s Black history
• Upstate NY theaters aim to boost local economy through the arts
• Broadway Votes and HeadCount launch online voter engagement sweepstakes
Every week, Government Lawyer in Residence Bennett Liebman prepares a digest with the latest theater news in the Capital Region and beyond. Access the full digest at https://bit.ly/4fYxDNK or scan the code.

08/23/2024

We are back from summer break with a new look for this week’s gambling news:
• New York bill to expedite downstate casino licenses faces uncertainty; iGaming legislation stalls without guarantee to preserve jobs
• State regulators, horse racing, and sports betting among topics covered at Saratoga Racing and Gaming Conference, including keynote from MLB star-turned-horseman Jayson Werth
• State Gaming Commission report on horse fatalities at Saratoga in 2023 concludes track conditions among leading factors in horse deaths
• Seneca Presidential election could change casino negotiations
Every week, Government Lawyer in Residence Bennett Liebman prepares a digest with the latest gambling news in New York State and beyond. Access the full digest at https://bit.ly/3ySsR3L or scan the QR code.

07/31/2024

Attorneys: It's your last chance to register for this Friday's CLE in Saratoga seminar presented by Albany Law School Professor Vin M. Bonventre! Prof. Bonventre will present his annual SCOTUS update.

CLE in Saratoga Seminar Schedule:
• August 2: Supreme Court Update, presented by Prof. Vin M. Bonventre (CLE: 3.0 Professional Practice)
• August 9: New York Civil Practice Update, presented by Prof. Michael J. Hutter (CLE: 3.0 Professional Practice)
• August 16: Mock Meeting of the Attorney Grievance Committee, presented by attorneys of the Attorney Grievance Committee, Third Judicial Department (CLE: 3.0 Ethics)
• August 23: New York Evidence Update, presented by Prof. Michael J. Hutter (CLE: 3.0 Professional Practice)

These programs are intended for practicing attorneys in New York State. All programs will take place in person at the Gideon Putnam from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Tuition: $125.00 per program.

To register, scan the QR code or visit https://bit.ly/SaratogaCLE2024.

07/26/2024

This week’s gambling news:
• New York extends downstate casino bid deadline to June 2025
• Debate over 51% sports betting tax rate in New York
• Nassau County committee advances Sands Coliseum lease despite local protests
• Oneida Nation to host four World Lacrosse Box Championship games
Every week, Government Lawyer in Residence Bennett Liebman prepares a digest with the latest news in gambling in New York State and beyond. Access the full digest: https://governmentlawcenter.omeka.net/items/show/607

07/26/2024

This week’s theater news:
• Reviews of Capital Region performances: Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Boeing Boeing, Legally Blonde, Becoming Dr. Ruth, and more
• Federal appeals court dismisses lawsuit challenging 2023 Tennessee law designed to restrict drag performances
• Review of James Shapiro’s “The Playbook: A Story of Theater, Democracy, and the Making of a Culture War” in the Los Angeles Review of Books
• BroadwayCon highlights mental health in the theater industry
Every week, Government Lawyer in Residence Bennett Liebman prepares a digest with the latest news in theater in New York State and beyond. Access the full digest: https://governmentlawcenter.omeka.net/items/show/606

07/19/2024

This week’s theater news:
• Musician union’s pension receives $1.5 billion in federal relief funds
• This month, Capital Region theater focuses on women: Tina Turner, Dr. Ruth, Carole King, and the fictional characters Mary Poppins and Elle Woods
• Saratoga Jewish Cultural Festival hosts Broadway film discussion
• In Florida, festivals say they’ll forego 2025 state grants if arts funding is restored
Every week, Government Lawyer in Residence Bennett Liebman prepares a digest with the latest news in theater in New York State and beyond. Access the full digest at https://governmentlawcenter.omeka.net/items/show/605

07/19/2024

This week’s gambling news:
• Buffalo lawmakers call for WROTB board to rescind severance packages for top execs
• New York Yankees, MGM Resorts announce new partnership, spark speculation about MGM Casino plans
• New York mobile sports betting handle hits $1.47bn in June
• Gov. Hochul forgoes special legislative session on online gambling
• NYRA, FanDuel resolve contract dispute ahead of Saratoga racing season
• Total money wagered in opening week at Saratoga up 18% vs. 2023
Every week, Government Lawyer in Residence Bennett Liebman prepares a digest with the latest news in gambling in New York State and beyond. Access the full digest at https://governmentlawcenter.omeka.net/items/show/604

07/08/2024

NEW: The Government Law Center's latest explainer by Richard Rifkin, GLC Legal Director, outlines the procedure for amending the New York State Constitution, as well as the procedural questions underlying a pending court case involving the proposed Equal Rights Amendment.

Read more: https://www.albanylaw.edu/government-law-center/amending-nys-constitution

06/26/2024

While Pride Month may be ending soon, opportunities to learn about issues facing LGBTQ communities remain available. Visit the GLC's archive to learn about legal issues that trans, gender non-conforming, and intersex people encounter in New York: https://bit.ly/TGNCI-Law

06/20/2024

The GLC and Center for Continuing Legal Education at Albany Law School are pleased to announce the schedule for this year's CLE in Saratoga Seminar Series:

• August 2: Supreme Court Update, presented by Prof. Vin M. Bonventre (CLE: 3.0 Professional Practice)
• August 9: New York Civil Practice Update, presented by Prof. Michael J. Hutter (CLE: 3.0 Professional Practice)
• August 16: Mock Meeting of the Attorney Grievance Committee, presented by attorneys of the Attorney Grievance Committee, Third Judicial Department (CLE: 3.0 Ethics)
• August 23: New York Evidence Update, presented by Prof. Michael J. Hutter (CLE: 3.0 Professional Practice)

These programs are intended for practicing attorneys in New York State. All programs will take place in person at the Gideon Putnam from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Tuition: $125.00 per program. To register, scan the QR code or visit https://bit.ly/SaratogaCLE2024.

CLE Information:
Albany Law School’s Center for Continuing Legal Education has been certified by the New York State Continuing Legal Education Board as an accredited provider of Continuing Legal Education in the State of New York. This conference has been accredited as a source of 3.0 continuing legal education credits for each program attended for all attorneys in New York State. For financial hardship guidelines, please call the Center for Continuing Legal Education at 518-472-5888.

06/07/2024

This week’s gambling news:
• New York downstate casino deadlines legislation amended
• New York Senator Addabbo introduces online poker legislation
• NY Senate passes bill on gambling ad warnings passes
• Saratoga Springs hosts Belmont Stakes during Belmont Park renovation

Access the full digest, prepared by GLC Lawyer in Residence Bennett Liebman: https://governmentlawcenter.omeka.net/items/show/599

06/07/2024

This week’s theater news:
• Bill introduced in U.S. Senate would give $1B to nonprofit theaters annually (NYT; WSHU Public Radio)
• Report: Cultural Solidarity Fund as a model for distributing money to arts workers (American Theatre)
• LGBTQ Pride in theater: progress and paths forward (Onstage Blog)
• “All of Me” models depicting every-day life of people with disabilities, hiring disabled people as expert consultants (NYT)
Access the full digest, prepared by GLC Lawyer in Residence Bennett Liebman: https://governmentlawcenter.omeka.net/items/show/598

05/03/2024

Theater news in NYS and beyond:

• Theater reviews in the Capital Region: Three Mothers, The Kite Runner, Death of a Streetcar Named Virginia Woolf, and more
• Amherst, NY, residents to vote on $11M bond to build community theater
• Actors’ Equity sets deadline of June 17 for Development Agreement negotiations with Broadway League
• 2024 Tony nominations mark notable strides for female directors, veteran and rising performers alike

Read more at https://governmentlawcenter.omeka.net/items/show/579

05/03/2024

Gambling news in New York State and beyond:

• New York makes changes to sports betting in state budget, cuts funds to address problem gambling
• Cayuga Nation sues NYS Gaming Commission and Jackpocket over "unlawful” gaming activity on reservation land
• Nassau County, following judge's order, to resubmit plans for Sands casino lease at Coliseum site
• Racehorse deaths continue to prompt questions about future of racing
• Racing and Gaming Conference at Saratoga to discuss intersection of sports wagering and horse betting, July 12-14, 2024

Read more at https://governmentlawcenter.omeka.net/items/show/578

04/24/2024

There is still time to register for the Albany Law Review's Chief Judge Lawrence H. Cooke State Constitutional Commentary Symposium, taking place tomorrow at Albany Law School!

Chief Judge Rowan Wilson and former Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman will discuss what it means to be the Chief Judge of New York State. The discussion will be moderated by Professor Vin Bonventre and Professor Kanika Johar ’13.

This free event is open to the public and includes a reception. Registration is required. To register, scan the QR code or visit https://alumni.albanylaw.edu/s/977/21/1col.aspx?sid=977&gid=1&pgid=4445&content_id=5844

04/12/2024

On April 25, join Albany Law School’s Albany Law Review to listen to Chief Judge Rowan Wilson and former Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman discuss what it means to be the Chief Judge of New York State. The discussion will be moderated by Professor Vin Bonventre and Professor Kanika Johar ’13. Q&A and reception to follow. The program is co-sponsored by the Government Law Center.

To RSVP, scan the QR code or visit https://alumni.albanylaw.edu/s/977/21/1col.aspx?sid=977&gid=1&pgid=4445&content_id=5844

03/09/2024

This week’s theater news:
• Nippertown interviews Albany High School theater students Iris Whalen and Nina Scandurra
• SWEAT, “a working-class vision of American society,” opens at the Rep in 2 weeks
• Williamstown Theatre Festival announces 2024 Summer Season
• Big Gay Hudson Valley presents Broadway and "The Gilded Age" star Clay Elder's solo show in Kington and Albany
• A guide to theater in Buffalo and Western NY
• NYC’s indie theater scene found in backyards, basements, and rooftops
Read more: https://governmentlawcenter.omeka.net/items/show/573

03/09/2024

This week’s NY gambling news:
• State officials say gaming operations provided $3.9 billion in school aid last fiscal year
• New York City casino lobbying rose in 2023
• Critics say major casino operators prey on Asian-American communities for profit using aggressive advertising tactics and culturally specific symbols
• How to identify warning signs of problem gambling as March Madness approaches
Read more: https://governmentlawcenter.omeka.net/items/show/572

03/07/2024

In case you missed it: There is plenty of time to register to attend the upcoming Symposium on Racism, Wealth Equity, and the Law, presented by the GLC in collaboration with the New York State Bar Association and the NYSBA Task Force on Racism, Social Equity, and the Law.

On March 20, 2024, join us for an engaging series of discussions about the links between structural racism, the racial wealth gap, housing, education, health, and the law. This free program is open to the public, will be livestreamed, and includes lunch, provided courtesy of the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Albany Law School.

Register at https://nysba.org/events/symposium-on-racism-wealth-equity-and-the-law

Note: In order to complete the registration form, you will need to create an account on the NYSBA portal if you do not already have one. There is no cost or membership fee to create an account.

02/23/2024

Nearly 60 years after the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, join the New York State Bar Association, the NYSBA Task Force on Racism, Social Equity, and the Law, and the Government Law Center on March 20, 2024, for a full-day symposium examining the links between racism, wealth equity, and the law at Albany Law School.

Participants will discuss the presence and impact of structural racism and the racial wealth gap in housing, health, and education, and strategies to meaningfully promote equity in these areas for all New Yorkers. The program will also explore recommendations proposed by the Task Force in its January 2023 report.

This program is free, open to the public, and includes lunch. A remote viewing option is available. Register here: https://nysba.org/events/symposium-on-racism-wealth-equity-and-the-law

Attorneys: CLE credits are available for attorneys in New York State. Available credits: 3.0 Diversity, Inclusion, and Elimination of Bias and 1.5 Professional Practice. Total CLE credits available: 4.5

02/23/2024

Held monthly from February through May each year, the Warren M. Anderson Legislative Series examines major legal and policy issues pending before the New York State government. On Tuesday, March 5, join us for the second program in this year's series: Artificial Intelligence and Government Operations. (Slide 1)

The panel discussion will be moderated by Prof. Patrick A. Woods ’12 — Deputy Director of the Government Law Center and Adjunct Professor of Law at Albany Law School

Panelists include:
• Prof. Cary Coglianese — Edward B. Shils Professor of Law, Professor of Political Science, and Director of the Penn Program on Regulation at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School
• Glinnesa D. Gailliard, Esq. ’07 — General Counsel and Director of Legal, Risk & Compliance at the New York State Technology Enterprise Corporation (NYSTEC)
• Michele Jones, Esq. ’04 — Chief Risk and Data Privacy Officer at the New York State Office of Information Technology Services
• Robert T. Reilly, Esq. ’93 — General Counsel for New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) and former Associate Counsel for the Civil Service Employees Association, AFSCME, AFL-CIO

This free program is open to the public and will take place on Zoom. CLE credits are available for practicing attorneys who attend. Registration is required. To register, scan the QR code or visit: bit.ly/Anderson2024 (case-sensitive)

2024 Schedule (Slide 2):
• February 13 — The State of Police Oversight in New York
• March 5 — Artificial Intelligence and Government Operations
• April 16 — New York State Redistricting Revisited
• May 7 — The Powers of the Governor in the State Budget Process.

These free programs are open to the public and will take place 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. on Zoom. CLE credits are available for each program attended for attorneys in New York.

Recordings from past programs are available on our website: Visit albanylaw.edu/glc then click "Programs" and select "Anderson Series."

01/19/2024

This week’s gambling news:
• State Sen. Addabbo re-introduced online casino bill ahead of Executive Budget
• Gambling in the Executive Budget: no major policy or fiscal changes to gaming industry; online casinos not included in budget
• CB6 in Midtown East the latest community board to reject NYC effort to fast-track casino projects; Coney Island community board approves casino zoning, with conditions
• East Side casino plan draws heat from locals, biz & union communities offer support
• No follow up to Western Regional OTB ticket scandal despite state audit recommendation to seek reimbursement for improperly distributed event tickets
• National problem gambling legislation introduced for US sports setting

Read more: https://bit.ly/48GufDp

01/19/2024

This week’s theater news:
• Lawsuit filed in the Southern District of New York alleging racial discrimination and retaliation by NETworks Presentations, 1776 Touring
• ‘Our Class,' a play asking big questions about antisemitism & depicting 1941 pogrom in Jedwabne, Poland, premieres in New York on Feb 4
• Come From Away depiction of 9/11 evokes strong memories for some, but less so for younger audiences today, highlighting challenge of contextualizing history in theater
• In Chicago, Hamid Rahmanian’s Song of the North combines shadow puppetry, projected animation, and ancient Persian epic poem, Shahnameh

Read more: https://governmentlawcenter.omeka.net/items/show/569

01/17/2024

Yesterday, Governor Kathy Hochul presented her 2025 Budget Address, which highlighted key priorities for the Executive Budget.

Watch the recording and access the Executive Budget Briefing Book here: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-highlights-fy-2025-budget

Save the date: On May 7, 2024, join us for an educational program about the role of the New York State Governor in the state budget process. RSVP: https://alumni.albanylaw.edu/Anderson2024

Join the Government Law Center at Albany Law School for the 2024 Warren M. Anderson Legislative Series. Held monthly from February through May, the annual Warren M. Anderson programs feature experts who address major legal and policy issues pending before New York State government.