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California deal needs sponsors

PECHANGA RESERVATION, California – As reported by the California Press-Enterprise: "A batch of gaming deals that would let four Inland tribes operate mega-casinos needs legislative sponsors soon if it is to make it through the Legislature this session, lawmakers said Wednesday.

"State Sen. Dean Florez told tribal members gathered at the Western Indian Gaming Conference that the tribes must find lawmakers who will sponsor the bills by Jan. 26 or 'you don't have a chance.'

"The pending agreements, negotiated last summer with Gov. Schwarzenegger, need to be ratified by the Legislature and approved by the U.S. Interior secretary before they can take effect.

"…State Sen. Jeffrey Denhem, R-Merced, advised tribes to work out their differences with opponents, such as labor unions, which want more access to workers at tribal resorts and casinos.

"Tribal representatives said Wednesday they were confident the agreements -- known as compacts -- will find sponsors soon, although it's unclear who the sponsors will be. No lawmaker has publicly agreed to do so…"

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