Indian Gaming Propositions

Last year, Governor Schwarzenegger negotiated contracts with four California Indian tribes. Two of the tribes could have twice as many slot machines as the largest Las Vegas casinos; the two others could vastly expand their operations. In return, the tribes would increase the percent of the take they pay to the state from the current 7% to 13% percent, to 25% percent. The Democratic-controlled legislature approved the deals, but two other tribes, some labor unions and local governments were among those opposed. They raised enough signatures to put Propositions 94, 95, 96 and 97 on next month’s ballot. TV viewers have already seen that a very expensive campaign is under way.