Lawmaker who helped tribe opposes casino deal

Monday, March 14, 2005  

The California Congressman who helped the Lytton Band of Pomo Indians obtain land for an off-reservation casino is urging state lawmakers to reject the tribe's gaming compact.

Rep. George Miller (D-California) inserted a provision into an omnibus act that mandated the acquisition of land in the Bay Area. The tribe, previously landless, planned to turn a card club on the property into a Class III casino.

Miller said he still supports the tribe's right to gaming. But in a March 11 letter to state lawmakers, he said the tribe's plan for a large casino with up to 2,500 slot machines is not acceptable for an urban area.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-California) has introduced a bill to require the tribe to go through a lengthy process before opening a casino on the land. Sen. John McCain (R-Arizona), chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, has said he will hold a hearing on the issue.

Get the Story:
San Pablo casino deal rejected by key sponsor (The San Francisco Chronicle 3/12)
Miller urges killing San Pablo casino deal (The Contra Costa Times 3/12)
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Lawmaker rejects plans to expand San Pablo casino (The Argus 3/12)
Slots controversy divides community (The San Francisco Chronicle 3/12)
Rep. Miller urges opposition to San Pablo casino (AP 3/11)
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