California Coalition of Law Enforcement Associations Endorses Historic New Indian Gaming Agreements

SACRAMENTO –The Coalition to Protect California’s Budget & Economy today announced that the 80,000 member-strong California Coalition of Law Enforcement Associations (CCLEA) 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. CCLEA also opposes referendum efforts to cancel the agreements.

"These new agreements are very important for California, especially in light of our state's budget problems," said Wayne Quint, President of CCLEA. "The agreements will provide billions in new state revenues to help pay for public safety, education and other vital public services statewide -- without increasing taxes. They will also increase coordination between the tribes and local police and fire agencies. The agreements provide major benefits for California taxpayers, for public safety and for local communities."

Additionally, the compacts require increased state oversight of the tribes’ gaming operations through random inspections and audits.

The CCLEA is an umbrella organization that was formed to represent the needs of all law enforcement associations in the state. At present, CCLEA consists of 36 law enforcement associations representing 80,000 members. Learn more at www.CCLEA.org.

CCLEA joins a broad coalition of public safety, taxpayer, education, labor, local government, business, Indian Tribes and community groups in supporting the four agreements and opposing the referendum efforts.

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.