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More benefits from gambling lie ahead
March 16, 2007

Re "The great California casino caper," Current, March 11

Marc Cooper's tirade against tribal self-reliance misses the point that
gaming produces billions of dollars a year in good salaries and benefits to
employees, sales for local businesses, state taxes and direct aid to
communities and charities. Now California has an opportunity to do even
better.

New gaming compacts, already approved by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, will
provide a significant boost to the state budget, propel local economies and
protect the environment and the rights of workers.

The new compact with just our tribe, now before the state legislature,
would add nearly $2 billion over 20 years to the general fund — which means
more money for our healthcare system, schools, law enforcement and other
priorities. The compact again guarantees workers' right to organize under
the Tribal Labor Relations Ordinance and assures our employees a fair vote
on union representation. The new compacts will help to build a brighter
future for all of California.

RICHARD M. MILANOVICH
Chairman
Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians
Palm Springs