1998 Indian Gaming Compacts. Referendum Statute.
	Argument Against Proposition 29

Arguments on this page are the opinions of the authors and have not been checked for accuracy by any official agency.

California voters should vote NO on Proposition 29--the Indian gaming pacts that were forced on California Indian Tribes.

Fortunately, after voters overwhelmingly passed the Indian gaming initiative, Proposition 5, in November of 1998, the new Legislature and Governor sat down and negotiated new compacts with California Indian tribal leaders.

These new compacts are fair to the Indians and fair to the State. They are on your ballot as Proposition 1A, and almost every California Indian leader strongly supports this important measure. Proposition 1A will replace the unfair compacts that are included in Proposition 29.

California Indians will always be grateful for the people of this state for their overwhelming support in the last election. Despite the huge financial fight by Nevada casino interests, the people voted to give Indians the right to earn a living on their tribal lands.

It means that California Indians can maintain and improve their current gaming facilities. Proposition 29 would end that.

Indian gaming means that thousands of Indians and non-Indians can work in these businesses with good jobs. Proposition 29 would end that.

Indian gaming means that people will have the opportunity to support themselves and their families proudly, and not be dependent on welfare and taxpayer subsidized programs. Proposition 29 would end that.

Indian gaming means the taxpayers are off the hook for the financial costs of poverty that have plagued Native Americans since they were forced on to unproductive lands without any means of supporting themselves. Proposition 29 would end that.

Indian gaming will help all Californians. Already we are bringing some basic needs to many who are living in the most desolate Indian communities--basics like electricity and indoor plumbing, needed health care and pre-natal care for expectant mothers, hope and opportunity, instead of despair. Proposition 29 would end that.

Californians should be proud that they are allowing the ladder of opportunity to reach down for Native Americans too. They can now reach the American dream of providing for themselves and their families.

Indian gaming has created more that $4 billion in economic activity and $120 million in tax revenues for the California economy. It has provided the funds for new schools, medical clinics and roads. There is now money for scholarships for the outstanding students who can now dream and realize a quality college education. Proposition 29 would end that too.

Our heartfelt thanks go out to the millions of Californians who have stood with us against some of the biggest special interest groups around. We are on the verge of making life so much better for so many people.

But, we do need your help one more time. Please vote YES on Proposition 1A so we can have a fair compact between the Indian Tribal Governments and the State of California. And, please vote NO on Proposition 29--the compacts forced on the Indians through intimidation and threats. Thank you.

RICHARD M. MILANOVICH
Tribal Chairman, Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians

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