New York Speaker Carl Heastie accepted luxury tickets from gaming firm

New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and his staff accepted nearly $14,000 in luxury suite tickets from gaming and hospitality company Delaware North, the New York Post reported on November 5. The firm later secured a projected $18 million in state tax breaks. New York Focus also reported that donor funds have covered sports outings for the legislative leader. [1][2]

The tickets provided by Delaware North were for luxury suite seats to see the Boston Celtics earlier this year, according to the New York Post. Delaware North owns the Boston arena where the basketball team plays. [1]

Heastie is a Democrat who represents the 83rd Assembly District in the Bronx and has served in the New York State Assembly since 2001. He became Speaker of the Assembly in 2015. [3][5]