Friday, March 13, 2009

California's Budget Gap: Should we EXPAND Gaming off Reservations?

The California Legislature's budget analyst says the recession has created another $8billion hole in the state's budget just weeks after the end of a fight to close a $42billion gap through June 2010. Maybe it's time to get a NEW analyst, one who could have forseen this coming.

Legislative Analyst Mac Taylor says in the report released Friday that California's 10.1 percent unemployment rate, further declines in the stock market and lower tax collections have led to lower revenue projections. He expects the new $8 billion budget gap in the fiscal year that begins July 1.

State Controller John Chiang also said this week that February revenues were nearly $1 billion below previous projections.

Taylor says the deficit will grow even larger unless lawmakers and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger take action. Well THEY DID take action, they decided to RAISE our taxes.

Here's a better idea: Get gaming off the reservations, where many tribes have proved that they couldn't/wouldn't take care of all their people and bring it to the state unrestricted to federal lands. Let's let CALIFORNIA get it's regulated share, like Nevada does. The tribes have gotten a fair head start. Let's get California the money it deserves.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Yeah, let the state legalize gambling. It's an investment plan for the state, not a divestment plan, like the current economic conditions there!

OPechanga said...

Nevada casino's pay 28% to the state and we need a rate like that, with regulated casinos closer to population centers.

Anonymous said...

Get in out of the indians control, as an employee of an indian casino there need some competion.

Anonymous said...

You know who you should get involved in your cause??..Larry Flynt...he would love to open up his Casino to slots..he tried before..plus he has many publications to spread your story of violation of your rights...

Anonymous said...

very interesting blog...it is good to read it, thank you!