Tribes vow to continue casino fight in Assembly

Public Record, The, Jun 05, 1998

SACRAMENTO--California Indian tribes promised to continue fighting Gov. Pete Wilson's controversial Pala Compact, despite the state Senate's approval Wednesday, May 26. The senate voted 21-10 in favor of the Compact. Sen. Dave Kelley, R-Idyllwild, abstained along with seven other senators.

The Pala Compact would place severe restrictions on gaming tribes, limiting the type and number of gaming machines allowed in Indian-owned casinos. Coachell tribal leaders say the pact, which Wilson negotiated with the non-gaming Pala Indians of San Diego and insists applies to all California tribes, would have devastating economic impacts.

The California Nations Indian Gaming Association, a coalition of 40 California gaming tribes, strongly opposes the Pala agreement.

Richard Milanovich, chairman of Palm Spring's Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, said, "We will continue to fight this legislation and the Pala Compact on all fronts.

"We are fighting for our people, our future and our children's future," Milanovich continued. "We did not choose to enter this battle. We have been forced into this fight to protect our sovereignty, our people and our livelihood."

The measure now moves to the Assembly, where it is expected to have more opposition than in the Senate. Republican Assemblyman Jim Battin of Palm Springs strongly opposes the Pala Compact and has vowed to fight it in both committee and on the Assembly floor. Battin is joined by other Republican lawmakers who split with their party's governor concerning this issue.

In addition to opposition in the Assembly, one state Senator and four Assemblyman have filed suit in Superior Court challenging Wilson's authority to sign any state tribal gaming compacts. Superior Court Judge Lloyd Connelly has enjoined he governor from taking action against the tribes and has set June 25 as the date for a hearing on the matter.

Federal officials, however, seem to be supporting Wilson's stand on the Compact. The U.S. Attorney's office has already told the gaming tribes, including those in the Coachella Valley, that they must comply with the terms of the Pala Compact or be shut down.

However, federal officials are not expected to act until several court rulings are made.