FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, May 2, 2005

Calls on People to Question Senator Florez Legislation Benefiting Indian Gaming Tribes

(Sacramento, CA) – The Consumer Alliance for a Strong Economy today announced it has begun airing radio advertisements in the Central Valley calling on people to ask Senator Dean Florez why he introduced Senate Bill 995 to give Indian gaming tribes an ability to sell tax-free bonds to fund projects on reservations.

The legislation, SB 995, would allow both gaming and non-gaming tribes to finance capital projects with tax-free bonds typically only available to municipal and non-profit entities. “Indian gaming is tremendously lucrative, and we believe taxpayers should not be asked to subsidize projects for wealthy gaming tribes,” said CASE Executive Director Chris Wysocki.

When asked why CASE was opposed to SB 995 and why advertisements were being aired calling attention to Senator Florez’s actions, Wysocki replied, “We simply believe SB 995 is bad public policy – giving wealthy gaming tribes the opportunity to utilize tax-free bonds creates an unfair playing field. If these tribes wish to use tax-free bonds, they should be required to open up their books and pay taxes on their real profits.”

“For-profit entities should not be permitted to take advantage of tax-free bonds – even if they promise not to use the bond revenue for projects not directly related to their profit making endeavors,” said Wysocki. “Indian tribes were permitted to operate casinos to improve their quality of life, and capital improvements should be paid for with profits resulting from casino operations – not with tax-free bonds,” concluded Wysocki.

The Consumer Alliance for a Strong Economy is a non-partisan and non-profit 501 (c4) organization representing the interests of over 10,000 consumers and small businesses across California. For more information, please call (916) 444-1502 or visit www.ConsumerAlliance.org.