Schwarzenegger-Tribal Compacts Will Have to Wait

SACRAMENTO, California – As reported by Reuters: "Deals reached by California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger allowing several of the state's Indian tribes to operate thousands more slot
  machines will not go before the state legislature until next year's session, legislative leaders said on Thursday.

"…Newspaper reports also said the proposed expansions were stalled amid a dispute over whether casino workers would be allowed to unionize.

"…He [Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata] said the Senate would not act on the proposed deals until the start of its next session, which will begin in December with the swearing-in of new members.

"Republican Schwarzenegger this week signed agreements allowing three tribes -- Pechanga, San Manuel and Morongo-- to nearly quadruple the number of slot machines they operate to a maximum 7,500 each in exchange for a bigger share of casino winnings.

"Under California's current gambling pacts, tribes are limited to a maximum of 2,000 slots.

"The governor also signed a deal allowing the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation to add 3,000 slots and for the Yurok tribe to install its first 99 slot machines.

"Schwarzenegger's agreement to allow the Agua Caliente tribe to operate up to 5,000 slot machines was voted down by the state Assembly on Monday.