"The federal court finding that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger illegally taxed the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians doesn't mean that a governor will never get another cent from tribes. Or that tribes expect a free ride at the expense of taxpayers. It does mean that communities will get more tribal funds to improve public services near casinos.

The Rincon Band agreed to pay additional mitigation fees to expand. In fact, during the four years that the governor stonewalled negotiations, $19 million was lost – millions that Rincon offered to pay to improve traffic, police and fire safety in San Diego County.

Rincon benefits from the well-being of our neighbors, and our revenue sharing should support local communities. As a tribe, we have a responsibility for the collective future of the county.

We were the first tribe to mitigate off-reservation impacts per our 2000 tribal-state compact and have paid $35 million in payroll taxes since opening in 2002. The tribe voluntarily funds regional sheriff's protection, public transit, fire and paramedic services, and annually donates hundreds of thousands to cities, schools and nonprofits, such as hospice care."

Get the Story:
Rincon Chairman Bo Mazzetti: After court loss to tribe, it's time to follow U.S. law (The Sacramento Bee 5/6)

9th Circuit Decision:
Rincon Band v. Schwarzenegger (April 20, 2010)

Earlier Story:
Court decision strikes at revenue-sharing in casino deals (4/30)
Column: Court ruling could hurt support for tribal casinos (4/29)
Editorial: California tribes can't get free ride on casinos (4/26)
Editorial: California deserves a share of tribal revenues (4/26)
Editorial: Appeal decision on tribal compact negotiation (4/23)
Column: Tribal casino revenues no sure bet in California (4/23)
Republican nominees decided compact negotiation case (4/22)
California tribal casino sharing fund slowly losing money (4/22)
Schwarzenegger to ask for rehearing in compact lawsuit (4/21)
Rincon Band wins case on Class III compact negotiation (4/20)
Pauma Band awaits final ruling in gaming compact case (4/19)
Judge indicates he might invalidate Pauma casino compact (4/6)
Another California tribe wins case over slot machine cap (3/31)