The State Senate has approved what some are calling the largest expansion of Indian gambling since it was introduced. One measure established new gaming rights for the Yurok tribe, which its author says is the poorest in California.
Others will allow five tribes to add more than 22,000 slot machines. Democratic state Senator Sheila Kuehl voted in favor of the Yurok agreement but against all others because she says she can't support an expansion of gaming.
Kuehl : I can't vote for compacts for tribes that aren't even sharing with all their own members the largesse that they win off the gambling addiction of those who go to the clubs.
The state Assembly must still vote on the agreements. In a statement Governor Schwarzenegger said he applauded the Senate for approving the compacts he negotiated in good faith with the sovereign nations. He says he believes they are good for the state, and urged the assembly to act quickly on the agreements that will bring in hundreds of millions of dollars to the state.
