California | Legislation

Lytton Band opposes Sen. Feinstein bill to limit casino rights

Monday, May 9, 2011

The Lytton Band of Pomo Indians is once again fighting efforts to restrict its gaming rights.

The tribe opened the San Pablo Lytton Casino on land that was placed in trust by an act of Congress. The Class II facility has become a successful operation, generating millions of dollars for the local community.

But a bill introduced by Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-California) jeopardizes the casino. S.872, the Lytton Gaming Oversight Act, bars the tribe from expanding the "exterior physical measurements" of the facility.

It also bars Class III gaming at the casino unless the tribe submits to an additional federal review process that could take years to complete.

"Her legislation would turn the clock back on the tribe to the point where it would be such an economic disadvantage to the tribe that one wouldn't even view it as remotely fair or just," spokesperson Doug Elmets told The Contra Costa Times. "Not only is the tribe keeping the city of San Pablo afloat, but it is also providing a great living wage jobs."

The bill was referred to the Senate Indian Affairs Committee. In 2007, the Senate approved a similar version of the bill.

Get the Story:
Feinstein introduces legislation to stop San Pablo casino expansion (The Contra Costa Times 5/7)

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