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House Kills Idaho Gambling Study Plans

``Many saw the bill as an election-year attack on tribal gaming, as North Idaho tribes campaign for a November ballot initiative protecting their gaming operations.

``After more than an hour of debate in the House, opposition to SB 1518 was so strong that its sponsor asked to withdraw the bill. That move takes a two-thirds vote; only 10 state representatives voted against it. They included Rep. Dick Harwood, R-St. Maries.

``...Other North Idaho representatives debated strongly against the bill, saying it bypassed normal procedures for funding studies by the Legislature, repeated study efforts already completed by Gov. Phil Batt's Gaming Study Committee in 1997, and deprived public schools and state buildings of $60,000 in much-needed lottery proceeds for building repairs and maintenance.

``...Rep. Wayne Meyer, R-Rathdrum, said a study looking at the economic costs of gambling to the state would overlook the economic benefits tribal gaming operations have brought to Idaho tribes and surrounding communities.

``...In North Idaho, the Coeur d'Alene Tribe has become one of the region's major employers, Meyer noted, and makes significant donations to area schools from its gaming profits..."

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