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California Lawmaker Wants Money for Gaming Issues

CALIFORNIA – As reported by the Sacramento Bee: "GOP lawmaker wants to free up $20 million in an earmarked account to help local governments cope with traffic, public safety and other problems exacerbated by Indian gambling.

"State lawmakers want to free up $20 million for local governments to deal with the effects of Indian casinos such as clogged roads and increased calls for police and firefighters.

"Lawmakers this year asked for $50 million from the Indian Gaming Special Distribution Fund to mitigate effects of tribal gambling.

"Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger approved $30 million in the state budget, but he put $20 million on hold, saying he didn't have enough information about how the money would be spent.

"Roughly 25 counties receive money from the fund created with proceeds from tribal gambling. The money pays for public safety, road maintenance and other local projects.

"…Howard Dickstein, an attorney for the Rumsey Indian Rancheria in Yolo County and the Auburn Indian Community in Placer County, said the two counties receive a tiny percentage the Indian Gaming Special Distribution Fund but that the lion's share of the fund is intended to address the adverse effects of major Indian casinos in Riverside and San Bernardino counties…"

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