BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Gov. Kathy Hochul will no longer be recusing herself from decisions and negotiations directly or indirectly connected to Buffalo-based hospitality and gaming giant Delaware North.

The governor's website now includes an updated policy including an opinion the long-term recusals she put into place in August and October 2021 are no longer necessary or in effect. Hochul established the policies shortly after she took office because her husband and former U.S. attorney for New York's Western District William Hochul was working as a senior vice president and general counsel for the company.

Delaware North announced earlier this month he was stepping down from that position effective Aug. 15. According to the opinion, the first gentleman is not only no longer receiving a salary from the company, but has no "direct or indirect financial interest" including ownership, stocks or benefits moving forward.

William Hochul's connection to Delaware North has been a source of criticism for the governor from opposition who questioned the effectiveness of the recusals. Delaware North, for instance, previously served as vendor for the Buffalo Bills as she was helping negotiate a new stadium deal with the organization.

The company is also a direct gaming competitor of the Seneca Nation which is in the midst of negotiating a new compact with this state. To this point, Hochul has assigned top staff to handle those negotiations in her place.

"On August 15, Governor Hochul's recusal memo was updated to reflect that she does not have a direct or indirect financial interest that could lead to a conflict of interest. The governor is no longer recused from negotiations with the Seneca Nation, and there is no meeting currently set between the Governor and Seneca Nation leaders," a spokesperson said. 

The governor previously said her husband's retirement had nothing to do with the recusals.