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ACTION CENTER

 

Senator John McCain needs to hear from you!

 

On April 5, the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs will hold hearings on the issue of “reservation shopping”.

 

The hearings will include testimony on a S.113, a bill introduced by Senator Dianne Feinstein that would force the Lytton Band to go through the normal federal approval process for tribes seeking a casino.

 

This is a vital piece of legislation to keep casino gambling out of our community.

 

Please write to Senator John McCain and send a copy to Senator Feinstein. Their addresses are listed below.

 

Download a sample letter: Sample letter

 

Chairman John McCain

Committee on Indian Affairs

836 Hart Senate Office Building        

Washington, DC  20510-6450

 

Senator Dianne Feinstein

United States Senate

331 Hart Senate Office Building

Washington, DC 20510

 

Sample text:

 

 

Chairman John McCain Ranking                                                            Member Byron Dorgan

Committee on Indian Affairs                                                                  Committee on Indian Affairs

836 Hart Senate Office Building                                                             836 Hart Senate Office Building

Washington, DC  20510-6450                                                                 Washington, DC  20510-6450

 

March   , 2005

 

Dear Chairman McCain and Ranking Member Dorgan,

 

            Thank you for holding hearings in your committee regarding the Lytton Band of Pomo Indians and their plans to build a casino in San Pablo, CA. I live near San Pablo and I am very concerned about what a Las Vegas-style casino would do to the quality of life in my community. I am writing to urge you to support the bill introduced by Senator Dianne Feinstein, S.113, that would address these plans.

 

            Passage of Senator Feinstein’s bill is vitally important to protect the quality of life in the East Bay. It is also the fair and just thing to do. The bill would require the Lytton to go through the same process as all other tribes, including consultation with local communities.

 

            As you know, the Lytton Band recently announced that it now plans to install electronic bingo and other Class II gaming machines instead of slot machines. Please know that this revised plan still leaves the welfare of our community desperately dependent on enactment of Senator Feinstein’s legislation. These bingo machines look and play just like slot machines and their impact will be drastic

 

            Additionally, I note with interest that the Lytton Band has declined to withdraw its Class III gaming compact with the state. This means that once they have flooded the area with Class II machines, they are likely to once again seek approval of its compact, arguing that allowing slot machines wouldn't be that different than the pseudo-slot bingo machines. The only way to end this substantial threat to our community's safety and welfare is to pass Senator Feinstein's bill, making the Lyttons comply with the federal Indian gaming laws that protect communities like ours.

 

            Again, thank you for the time and energy you have given to protecting the families of San Pablo and the greater East Bay community. I respectfully request your continued support of Senator Feinstein’s bill.

 

Sincerely,

 

Signature:

Print Name:

Address:

 

CC: Senator Dianne Feinstein