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Democrats Push New Mexico Tribal Gaming Compact2 February 2001SANTA FE, Mexico –Feb. 2, 2001 — As reported by the Albuquerque: "Democratic leaders in the House and Senate are urging Gov. Gary Johnson to negotiate new agreements with gambling tribes to resolve the revenue-sharing debate `once and for all.' "But several Republicans countered that casino-operating tribes must first honor a 1997 agreement with the state by paying 16 percent of their slot machine revenues before negotiating a new deal. "…In 1997, the tribes agreed to share 16 percent of their slot machine profits in exchange for limits on non-Indian gambling. Several tribes called the percentage too high, and eventually all refused to pay. "Attorney General Patricia Madrid sued the 12 casino-operating tribes in federal court last year to force them to pay what they owe under the compact. "The tribes have expressed interest in negotiating new compacts. But Johnson's administration told them it would be fruitless to negotiate another compact because the Legislature rejected a new one last year. "…Officials estimate the 1997 compact could generate $60 million a year for the state…" |