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California Counties Wait for Casino Funds

SACRAMENTO, California – As reported by the Fresno Bee: "Ambiguity shrouds the future of a state fund that reimburses counties for expenses tied to American Indian casinos.

"Gov. Schwarzenegger is renegotiating compacts with several tribes hoping to glean $500 million for state coffers. But it's unclear whether the new agreements would change how much tribes pay into the fund that siphons gaming money to local governments.

"Also in flux is $25 million already promised to local governments from the fund. About $2.6 million is expected to go to Fresno, Tulare, Kings and Madera counties.

"…Vince Sollitto, a spokesman for Schwarzenegger, would not detail the negotiations or say whether the governor wants tribes to pay into the fund that provides money to counties.

"…Tribes give money to two state funds: the Revenue Sharing Trust Fund, which gives slot-machine license fees to nongaming tribes, and the Special Distribution Fund, which sets aside a portion of gaming revenues for several purposes, including county reimbursement.

"The funds were created in 1999 when tribes signed compacts with the state.

"…Overall, tribes pay about $100 million into the fund each year. The Legislature can use the money for several purposes. Senate Bill 621 -- the legislation that Davis signed in October -- ranks them by priority…"

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