Our state government in Albany and local government in Buffalo have failed miserably at economic development.

Their short-sighted remedies are the NYS Lottery and casino gambling–both of which disproportionately prey upon the poorest in our society.

Government regulates how and where tobacco and alcohol products can be advertised, yet their lottery ads are everywhere, including our daily newscasts.

If tobacco and alcohol products must carry warning labels, why aren’t there “Addiction Warning” labels on slot machines and lottery tickets?

Why aren’t the odds of winning posted clearly on every slot machine and lottery ticket? What don’t they want you to know?

Instead of promoting hard work as the road to success, our government promotes false hope by encouraging people to buy lottery tickets. Is “a dollar and a dream” a message we really want our children to believe in?

Ask your government officials why a casino that will take up to $188 million annually from the Buffalo market, while returning only $5 to $7 million, is a good deal for our economy.