| People Against a Casino
Town
|
| News
of Interest |
|
Shays, Wolf introduce bill to give
communities say
in casino development For Immediate Release January 28, 2004 Shays, Wolf Introduce Bill to
Give Communities Say in Casino Development Washington, D.C. - Congressman Christopher Shays (R-CT) joined Congressman Frank Wolf (R-VA) today in introducing the Tribal and Local Community Relationship Improvement Act, which will require state legislatures to approve new Indian casinos. "This legislation will help our communities control their fate when it comes to the expansion of Indian gaming," Shays explained. "Federal tribal recognition should not mean the end of local participation in decisions about casino expansion -- especially because those decisions have enormous impacts on the communities in which casinos are built. The bottom line is, citizens should have the final word on casino expansion in their communities." Under current law, local communities often have little say about whether large gaming operations will open in their towns. Federally-recognized tribes need only obtain the unilateral approval of their state's governor to begin casino construction. The Tribal and Local Community Relationship Improvement Act: -- Requires state legislature approval of new gambling facilities; -- Directs the President to establish the Advisory Committee on Minimum Regulatory Requirements and Licensing Standards for Indian Gaming, which will create minimum requirements for federal regulation of Indian gaming; and -- Establishes a commission to report to Congress on living and health standards in Indian country, the effectiveness of federal programs designed to improve standards in these designated areas, and the economic, environmental and social impacts of Indian gaming facilities on local communities. Contact: Sarah Moore, 202/225-5541 http://www.house.gov/shays/news/2004/january/janwolf.htm |
|
Related Links: |
| PACT SEARCH FACTS LAWSUIT LINKS NEWS RESEARCH ACTION |