California Fire Chiefs Association Endorses
Historic New Indian Gaming Agreements

SACRAMENTO –The Coalition to Protect California's Budget & Economy today announced that the California Fire Chiefs Association (CFCA) has formally endorsed the four historic state-tribal Indian gaming agreements negotiated by the Governor and ratified by the Legislature with the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians; the Morongo Band of Mission Indians; the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians; and the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation. The CFCA also opposes referendum efforts to cancel the agreements.

"These agreements are good for California, good for public safety, and good for our state," said CFCA President Sheldon Gilbert. "The tribes will pay a much higher percentage of their net gaming revenues – up to 25% – to the state. In all, the payments would provide our state General Fund more than $200 million in the first year (with revenues increasing significantly in future years), and an estimated $9 billion total over the next two decades. This is funding that can be used directly for state and local public safety services."

Gilbert noted that the new agreements also require increased levels of cooperation between tribes and impacted local governments, including requiring tribes to enter into enforceable written mitigation agreements with any impacted county and city as the result of a new gaming project.

"These binding agreements must include compensation from tribes to cities and counties for law enforcement, fire protection, emergency medical services and any other public services to be provided as a result of new gaming-related projects," he said.

Commenting on the referendum effort to try to overturn the new Indian gaming agreements, Gilbert said: "Our association has significant concern that should this revenue not be realized, it could have a negative impact on local, regional, and statewide fire and emergency services."

CFCA is the largest fire service management organization in California, comprised of fire chiefs from over 1,100 fire agencies operating in the state of California.

For more information, please visit our website at www.YESforCalifornia.com.

Media with additional inquiries about the Coalition to Protect California’s Budget & Economy can contact Roger Salazar at (916) 444-8897.