S.D. GOP blasted for gaming language in tax bill

Friday, February 27, 2004  

Democrats and tribal representatives in South Dakota blasted a bill that would require the state attorney general to sign gaming compacts in addition to the state governor.

Indian lawmakers in the House and Senate rallied against the language, included in an unrelated tax bill. They called it an attack on tribes because they have always negotiated agreements with the governor.

Republicans support the language but not Sen. Mike LaPointe, a Republican and tribal member. He broke with his party in votes yesterday to oppose the provision. Gov. Mike Rounds (R), who has sought to improve relations with tribes, also supports the language.

The bill could die today if an agreement isn't reached.

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Gambling feud erupts in Capitol (The Rapid City Journal 2/27)