"The federal government has given the nod to compacts between the state and four native tribes to expand casino operations. It's a positive step that will ultimately pump millions into the state and the Coachella Valley.

The compacts amount to good business for the valley. The agreement will stimulate the local economy by providing jobs, increasing tourism and providing a $9 billion state revenue stream.

The U.S. Department of the Interior ratified the compacts late last week, raising the question: Will a statewide vote on gaming compacts count? While the answer is still unclear, the ratification is a good thing.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger negotiated the compacts with four tribal governments, including the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians and the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, and the Legislature approved them.

Now, the compacts have federal approval to add another 17,000 slot machines to the state and billions to state coffers until 2030. In addition, a new casino will be built here, creating roughly 2,000 new jobs in the Coachella Valley."

Get the Story:
Editorial: Tribal compacts a positive step all around for the valley (The Palm Springs Desert Sun 12/4)