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Stand Up for California! is a statewide organization with a focus on gambling issues including tribal gaming, card clubs, horse racing, charitable gaming and the state lottery. | |
Internal tribal disputes an issue for Obama nominees
12/2/2008, Indianz.com Nominees to the Interior Department should be asked about tribal membership and leadership disputes, the Government Accountability Office said in a recent report. According to the GAO, internal tribal disputes "seem to be occurring more and more frequently." The report recommends nominees be asked about their ability to resolve these controversial matters. "What experience do you have in working with tribal leadership and trying to resolve these types of disputes or in trying to prevent them?" the report states. The GAO hasn't released any investigations into internal tribal disputes. But the inclusion of the question -- one of three directly related to Indian affairs -- indicates it's on the radar of key members of Congress who will consider president-elect Barack Obama's executive branch nominees.
Membership fight threatens tribal casino12/2/2008, United Press International VALLEY CENTER, Calif., Dec. 2 (UPI) -- The U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs has ruled that a Southern California tribe improperly expelled 60 people from its rolls. Those expelled from the San Pasqual tribe were descendants of Marcus Alto Sr., who was enrolled in the tribe in 1991 and has since died, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported. Some tribal leaders argued that Alto was adopted and not a true member of the tribe. The tribe is involved in an ongoing leadership dispute that threatens its ability to operate the Valley View Casino. Tribal Chairman Allen Lawson was one of those involved in throwing out members, while Angela Martinez McNeal, formerly the secretary-treasurer, was one of those dismissed, the report said. | |
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Its All About Station Casinos
Holders deem Station Casinos bond offer "deficient"12/3/2008, Reuters NEW YORK, Dec 3 (Reuters) - Station Casinos Inc, which is fending off bankruptcy, said on Wednesday it has a received a letter from a lawyer representing its bondholders saying they view terms in a proposed debt exchange as inadequate. The statement leaves the casino operator in a precarious position and could result in the company tripping terms in its bank loans, which could lead the company to file for bankruptcy protection, said Barbara Cappaert, analyst at KDP Investment Advisors. The casino operator is offering to exchange senior and subordinated unsecured bonds for new secured term loans, with a coupon of 10 percent. The new debt is being offered at a significant discount to par, with senior note holders being offered $540 per $1000 in debt and subordinated note holders offered only $200 per $1000 of bonds, according to CreditSights.
RP casino's backer in financial trouble12/3/2008, THE ARGUS-COURIER Financial reports have been coming fast and furious the last few weeks and all saying that Station Casinos, the deep pockets behind the proposed Rohnert Park casino, is in deep financial trouble. The once-publicly owned gaming mega-investor is over $5 billion in debt and may not be able to make required payments by Dec. 31. That could force it into bankruptcy. The company's woes could delay the project by several years and could allow time for an advisory measure to be placed on the ballot next year so county voters can state whether they support or oppose the casino.
Station suspends 401(k) matches 12/2/2008, Las Vegas Review Journal Some Las Vegas companies are beginning to join a growing national trend in trying to cut operating expenses. Station Casinos announced last week that it was suspending its matching contributions for its employees' 401(k) retirement plans. No other local gaming company indicated that it was changing its 401(k) policies, although recent surveys have found that more companies nationally are slashing or canceling their 401(k) matches because of the economic downturn. | |
State Legislation to Watch
On December 1, 2008 the 2009 Legislative Regular Session Convenes for Organizational Session
Federal Legislation to Watch
A Lame Duck session may begin Nov. 17/18, there is speculation of a 'Lands Ominbus bill' to be introduced by Senator Harry Reid. It will carry approximately 160 bills that have previously passed the House, as well as Senate Bills. MORE AS IT EVOLVES.
H. R. 2963 - ENROLLED Congressman Issa Transfers without regulatory environmental process 1,178 ac. in Riverside and San Diego Counties to the Pechanga Band. AMENDED TO INCLUDE:
No Gaming. Maintained as open space and construction consistent with this purpose.
No existing right of ways or right of use prior to the date of enactment are affected.
H.R. 3490 -REPORTED TO SENATE Congressman Radanovich Declares that specificed federal lands are to be held in trust by the US for the benefit of the Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuik Indians for non gaming purposes.
H. R. 5680 REPORTED TO SENATE Congressman Grijalva - A bill to extend leases for Morongo and transfer money to CRIT.
S. 3320 - Tribal Law and Order Act - to be introduced in early 2009.
LINKS and Legislation
Stand Up For California - Library
Stand Up For California - Helpful Links
Compulsive Gambling Institute www.gamblingaddiction.cc 1-800-GAMBLER 24 Hour Problem Gambling Help Line - Tom Tucker, Chief Executive Officer
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