For Immediate Release

October 12, 2003

Contact: Tribal Alliance of Sovereign Indian Nations
1-877-378-2300

Governor Davis Signs SB 621 Ensuring Proper Allocation of Monies From Indian Gaming Special Distribution Fund

Historic legislation crafted by TASIN-Local Government Committee provides framework for distribution of funds to local governments, gaming regulation agencies

Sacramento - With a historic stroke of the pen, Governor Gray Davis signed Senate Bill 621 establishing guidelines for the payment of funds from the Indian Gaming Special Distribution Fund (SDF). The signing also marked the culmination of a unique cooperative effort by the Tribal Alliance of Sovereign Indian Nations (TASIN) and local government representatives to bring back monies to local communities impacted by Indian gaming operations.

SB 621, sponsored by State Senator Jim Battin (R-La Quinta), ensures the proper distribution of SDF monies to local governments impacted by tribal government gaming, local governments impacted by tribal casinos not currently paying into the SDF, and special districts impacted by tribal government gaming. It also mandates funds to be directed to the Division of Gambling Control and the California Gambling Control Commission (CGCC) for costs associated with the regulation of tribal government gaming.

Since March 2002, TASIN has worked with a diverse group of respected local government leaders (the Local Government Committee, or LGC) from Santa Barbara, San Bernardino and Riverside counties, as well as with Riverside County police, fire and sheriff's department officials to develop SB 621. In a landmark model of outreach between tribes and local governments, the TASIN-LGC coalition worked diligently to develop this legislation to allocate monies from the SDF.

"This is one of the proudest days in TASIN's history," said TASIN Chairperson Lynn Valbuena. "This was definitely a team effort and clearly shows the great things we can achieve when tribes and local municipalities work together."

In response to concerns from local governments, the TASIN-LGC also made specific revisions to include significant funding for counties impacted by tribal gaming operations not paying into the SDF. Under the newly signed legislation, every county in California with a Class III tribal gaming facility will receive monies from the SDF.

"TASIN sincerely listened to our concerns," said Michael Brooks, Chief of Police for the City of Banning, and an LGC member. "This legislation is reflective of the positive and mutually respectful relationship we have built with the tribes."

Numerous local and tribal governments and the California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA) all endorsed the TASIN-Local Government Committee legislation contained in SB 621.

According to the terms of the Tribal-State Compact, tribes operating more than 200 gaming devices as of September 1999 are required to pay into the SDF. Of the 28 tribes currently paying into the SDF, it is estimated that TASIN tribes alone will contribute more than $1 billion into the fund through 2020, constituting nearly two-thirds of all payments.

The majority of the remaining funds, after backfilling the RSTF and funding problem gambling programs, will be redirected to communities surrounding tribal casinos that pay into the SDF.

"Although communities surrounding tribal casinos have enjoyed tremendous economic benefits through thousands of new jobs and renewed economic activity for local non-casino businesses, we understand there have been impacts," said Ms. Valbuena. "This legislation will help properly compensate local governments for these impacts."

About TASIN
The TASIN mission is to protect and promote the tribal sovereign governmental rights, the cultural identity and the interests of its membership tribes. TASIN members include the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, Augustine Band of Mission Indians, Cahuilla Band of Indians, Chemehuevi Indian Tribe, Morongo Band of Mission Indians, Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians, Ramona Band of Mission Indians, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, Santa Rosa Band of Mission Indians, Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians, Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians and Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians.

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