Florida governor touts new Seminole gaming deal

Friday, April 24, 2009  

Florida Gov. Charlie Crist (R) said a new Class III gaming compact with the Seminole Tribe means more money for public schools but lawmakers don't seem to be warming to the plan.

Under the new deal, the tribe wants to pay $1.1 million up front to help the state with a budget crisis. But lawmakers have different proposals, different revenue sharing figures and no one is agreeing on anything right now.

“No major decisions were made. We’ll continue the dialogue so we can move forward,” said Rep. Bill Galvano (R), the chairman of the House Select Committee on Seminole Indian Compact Review, The Bradenton Herald reported.

The compact that the tribe signed with Crist was invalidated in state court after it was approved by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The tribe has continued to offer slot machines and table games at its casinos.

Get the Story:
Crist, at school, touts gambling revenue's benefits (The Miami Herald 4/24)
Galvano, Crist talk gambling deal (The Bradenton Herald 4/24)
Lawmakers reject Crist's Seminole gambling plan (The South Florida Sun-Sentinel 4/23)