Senate OK's Compacts

Yesterday, as expected, the California State Senate approved amended gaming compacts for five Southern California tribes that already have casinos and one tribe in far Northern California that has tried for years to get state authorization for a gambling hall. The compacts must now go to the Assembly where it is believed they will face much tougher opposition. The Assembly rejected one of the deals last year and never considered the others. Opposition remains strong among some Democrats and union leaders who want the compacts to contain different labor language.

“I hope the tribes don't conclude that simply because the Senate ratified the compacts, that somehow gives them momentum or makes me or the speaker change our minds,” said Assemblyman Alberto Torrico, D-Fremont who is chairman of the Assembly Governmental Organization committee. “If anything, we're more entrenched in our position. Those five compacts . . . do not have the votes to be ratified in the G.O. committee or on the floor of the Assembly,” Torrico declared. “I'm certain of that.”

Governor Schwarzenegger issued the following statement after the Senate approved the new gaming compacts:

"I applaud the Senate for approving the compacts I negotiated in good faith with these sovereign nations. I believe these compacts are good for the state, the tribes and the local communities. While each compact is unique, we have been able to enhance collaboration between local governments, mitigate environmental impacts and generate significant revenue for the state."
"I urge the Assembly to quickly adopt these compacts which will bring in hundreds of millions of dollars to the state in funds for education, health care and public safety. Every additional day of delay costs the state millions of dollars for critical services that Californians rely upon."

Full Articles Here:

http://www.pechanga-nsn.gov/page?pageId=139
http://www.pe.com/localnews/indianaffairs/stories/PE_News_Local_D_compacts20.3df9d50.html http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/state/20070419-1148-ca-xgr-indiangambling.html
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/state/20070419-1148-ca-xgr-indiangambling.html
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/state/20070420-9999-1n20compact.html