Calif. lawmaker criticized for backing tribal initiative

Wednesday, March 24, 2004  

Some Democrats and constituents of Republican state Sen. Jim Battin say the pro-Indian gaming lawmaker should not be using his elected position to promote an Indian gaming initiative.

Battin, a long-time tribal ally, used his official stationary for a mailing to 2 million residents of his district. He said he supported tribes paying their "fair share" to the state and said a ballot initiative sponsored by the Agua Caliente Band of Mission Indians was the way to do it.

The tribe is getting signatures to appear on the November ballot. If approved, the initiative would impose an 8.84 percent tax rate on tribal casinos, the same rate as corporations in the state.

In exchange, tribes would get unlimited right to expand their casinos and casino games. The tribes would get a 99-year compact.

Get the Story:
Battin backs tribe's initiative for casino expansion (The Riverside Press-Enterprise 3/24)
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Legislator Pushing Gaming Initiative (The Los Angeles Times 3/24)
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