The state’s budget problems must not be solved at tribal expense.
Sadly enough, however, that’s one option sure to tempt state lawmakers again next year when they consider how to deal with a budget that is $1.6 billion short of balance.
An expansion of gambling outside reservations will look terribly tempting to some legislators, because any liberalization of non-tribal operations could be heavily taxed.
That’s why this year’s Legislature kept playing with the idea. At times, even Gov. Gary Locke, who generally has opposed gambling expansions, appeared to be waffling.
A proposal during the last session called for 6,000 slot-style machines in non-profit establishments, which would have brought the state a cool $109 million per year. Card rooms and mini casinos had an even bolder plan: allow 40,000 slots off of reservations. That plan was designed to bring a little under $100 million to the state, plus nearly $50 million for cities and counties.
On top of the financial inducements, the non-tribal gambling interests try to sway policy-makers with appeals for "a level playing field."
None of this stands up to reflection.
Given state and national history, Washington has absolutely no business thinking about solving its problems at the expense of tribal governments and communities. Poverty, deprivation and poor health are legacies of the sad past that still confront substantial sectors of tribal communities. Majority communities have outgrown most feelings of prejudice. Moral progress, however, doesn’t carry with it any right to ignore the past.
Congress had the historical good sense in the 1980s to pass a law encouraging tribal economic development and offering favored status for tribal gambling operations. Gambling was supposed to open the door to other economic development.
The Tulalip Tribes have made excellent use of the law, following the spirit of the measure with other economic developments efforts. But John McCoy, Tulalip spokesman, says that the progress will be cut off if the gambling operations face increased competition.
The Tulalip unemployment rate, which has been reduced from about 60 percent in 1990 to somewhere between 14 and 20 percent, would rise somewhat, McCoy said. Tribal budgets would feel the pinch, especially at smaller tribes and those without prime I-5 locations.
After listening to a card room supporter argue for a level playing field earlier this year, McCoy told the lobbyist, "We are trying to get to the playing field." That remains unfortunately true.
Congress acted to give tribes a reasonable chance at economic development, and they have responded in good faith. The state’s budget dilemma must be solved with honest adjustments, not by taking an unconscionable swipe at friendly governments’ lifelines.
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