Gov. David Paterson may ask New York’s legislature to allow so-called ultimate fighting martial arts contests in the state to raise tax revenue and offset deep cuts in school aid and other funding.
“Ultimate fighting is something we are considering,” Paterson said Monday.
Seneca Niagara Casino hosted a mixed martial arts event in the Falls this past October. Although MMA events are still banned statewide, a 2008 resolution was passed that allows the Senecas to host such events.
The renewed interest in the sometimes maligned sport comes when Paterson has repeatedly said the state’s dire fiscal condition requires a search for revenue sources and spending cuts even if they conflict with his ideology.
Mixed martial arts is a multimillion-dollar business that fills arenas, broadcasts events on pay-per-view and has deals with cable networks such as Spike TV, all of which can mean jobs and big tax revenue for cash-strapped states.
The sport, which combines jiujitsu, judo, karate, boxing, kickboxing and wrestling in a cage, has put off some critics with its ferocity, including such tactics as kicks to the head. Thirty-eight states regulate the fights and organizers see New York — and Madison Square Garden — as a major market for contests.
Even as more states consider regulating the sport in part as revenue sources, proposals linger to ban the sport that Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz, once referred to as “human cockfighting.”
In Albany, a measure to legalize mixed martial arts in New York has stalled in the Legislature, opposed by those who say it promotes a culture of violence.
There was no immediate reaction from the Senate and Assembly to Paterson’s comment.
Paterson’s Jan. 19 budget proposal is expected to be a main event of its own as he picks a fight with the Legislature and powerful special interests over his cuts to long-protected programs, including health care.
He said he doesn’t intend to seek another increase in the cigarette tax, but said the Legislature may choose to consider such narrow tax increases to offset deep spending cuts.
“When the budget comes out next week and people see the depths of the cuts we will have to make to balance the budget, if the Legislature wanted to consider any alternatives, I would suggest that the only taxes that would be on the table would be dedicated taxes — a cigarette tax dedicated to health care or something like that,” Paterson said.
Paterson will project a $7.5 billion deficit in his 2010-11 state budget proposal to the Legislature next week, but he said the gap could worsen.
“It is not my plan to put any taxes in,” Paterson said. “We’re not really interested in taxing any further, but if the revenues were to continue to decline ... it would mean heavy, heavy cuts to a lot of services and the major services in the budget.”
Paterson has noted school aid and health care account for 55 percent of state spending.
Local News
PATERSON: ‘Ultimate fighting’ considered to raise funds for state
- Local News
-
-
BODY FOUND: Falls police ID missing woman
Falls Police say the body of a woman, found in dense brush in a field off of 102nd Street, is that of 67-year-old Judith Burr.
-
SLIDESHOW: Volunteers Search for Judith
Volunteers gathered on 102nd Street in Niagara Falls to search for the missing Judith Burr, 67. Shortly after the search began, the body of Judith was found in the dense brush just east of 102nd Street.
-
NCIDA declines One Niagara's request for tax help
It’s a no-go for a proposed tax break at One Niagara.
At least for now. -
Marijuana mystery on Michigan Avenue solved
The mystery surrounding a Michigan Avenue marijuana grow house has been solved.
And a Falls man has been charged with running the pot farm that was found there in July. -
Crack dealer taken down on Orleans Avenue
Falls Narcotics Division detectives took down an Orleans Avenue crack dealer, literally, on Tuesday.
-
Historic stone chimney move could be costly
City officials are dealing with some sticker shock after receiving an initial estimate for what it might cost to move an historic stone chimney to a new location.
-
One Niagara tax request up for vote
The owners of the One Niagara building may find out today if they qualify for a tax break through the Niagara County Industrial Development Agency.
NCIDA board Chairman Henry Sloma said One Niagara’s application for tax assistance will be discussed during today’s board meeting. -
Search planned for missing Falls woman
Loved ones are organizing a search party for 67-year-old Judith Burr who has been missing since Friday.
-
Bill would ban offenders on school buses
The New York State Senate passed a bill Tuesday that would ban certain criminal offenders from working on school buses.
-
No new vet for Niagara SPCA
It was one step forward and one step back for the SPCA of Niagara on Monday.
Just 72 hours after announcing the hiring of a new veterinarian for its troubled shelter, the SPCA board changed its mind and decided not to bring Lewiston vet Dr. Grant Hobika on board. - More Local News Headlines
-
White House Attacks Romney on Birth Control
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Mo. Teen Gets Life Sentence for Killing Girl, 9
Lower-hassle Screening to Be Tested at Airports
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Helmet Camera Captures Calif. Fire Rescue
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
Cab Driver Helps Wis. Family Escape House Fire
Staff Removed at LA School During Abuse Probe
Runaway Goat Leads Police on Wild Chase
