Tribal compacts face opposition from Assembly
Democrats stand against current deals Debra Gruszecki and Jake Henshaw The Desert Sun April 16, 2007 SACRAMENTO - In the upcoming legislative showdown over five Indian gaming deals that would usher in a 22,500-slot expansion of gaming in California, it looks like an expected Senate vote for passage will be the warm-up act, while action in the As­sembly will be the headliner. But the point man on the issue for Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez, D-Los Angeles, said flatly the current compacts won't be approved in the Democrat-led Assembly. "What I'm saying is that as currently written, they are going to be re­jected,'' said Assemblyman Alberto Torrico, D-Fremont, who chairs the Assembly Governmental Organiza­tion Committee that will hear and vote on the compacts in the Assem­bly. And that means at least one local tribe could walk, leaving $1.3 billion in General Fund contributions through 2030 on the table. Agua Caliente tribal council chair­man Richard Milanovich has been reluctant to discuss strategy at this stage. But in an interview last week, Mila­novich, in Sacramento with dozens of other tribal leaders to testify on the compacts, made clear he had no in­tention of renegotiating. "This is it,'' Milanovich said.”It's the compact we have before the Legis­lature." Robert Martin, chairman of the Mo­rongo, said as much. "Our position is what it is all along,'' said Martin.”We started this with (former Gov.) Gray Davis, and worked very hard since to come to these terms (if) this isn't passed, Mo­rongo will continue about its busi­ness, and the state will lose the abil­ity to capture $37 million in its Gen­eral Fund, without adding one new machine."	And the authors are Lawmakers carrying tribal com­pact legislation: SB 174 - Sen. Denise Ducheny, D-San Diego: Morongo Band of Mission Indians SB 175 - Sen. Denise Ducheny, D-San Diego: Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation SB 903 - Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Pacoima: Pechanga Band of Luiseno Mission Indians SB 941 - Sens. Alex Padilla, D-Pacoima, and Lou Correa, D-Santa Ana: San Manuel Band of Mission Indians SB 957 - Sen. Tom Torlakson, D-Antioch: Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians AB 266 - Assemblyman Charles Calderon, D-Whittier: Morongo Compact observa­tions Reactions ran the gamut when newcomer Assembly Govern­mental Organizations Commit­tee members were polled. Here's what a few had to say: The key issue is sovereignty. "Sovereignty is sovereignty. I think the tribes should be able to make decisions on their own." - Assemblyman Jim Silva, R-Huntington Beach, who has had a second home in Palm Springs for 20 years Tribes should be able to conduct their affairs like any business. "Frankly, I'm a little disappointed that within the Indian community they have to seek approval for expansion. I would really like to get to the point that their business is just like any other business, and (is) treated appropriately." - Assemblywoman Laura Richardson, D-Long Beach Tribal funds that pay for public safety and help other non-gaming tribes could be impacted. "I certainly would like to see gam­ing tribes do more to help non-gaming tribes. I intend to bring that up in our hearings." - Assemblyman Kevin Jeffries, R-Riverside more online slot increase faces votes