warning Hi, we've moved to USCANNENBERGMEDIA.COM. Visit us there!

Neon Tommy - Annenberg digital news

Proposition 48: 7 Things You Should Know Before Going To The Polls

Niki Hashemi |
October 15, 2014 | 4:23 p.m. PDT

Web Producer

On Nov. 4, Californians will vote on a range of issues from water quality improvement to drug and alcohol testing of doctors. But, before you hit the polls, here are 7 things you should know about Proposition 48.

Why was Proposition 48 created?

In 2000, Proposition 1A was approved by California voters, which allowed Indian tribes to construct casinos with slot machines, lottery games and card games on their reservation after getting approval from the governor, legislature and the federal government.

However, Proposition 1A did not address the issue of off-reservation casinos in California. Governor Jerry Brown is the first governor to approve the building of casinos outside of reservation land, which has caused significant backlash among Californians.

In 2013, lawmakers passed bill AB277 allowing the North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians to build an off-reservation casino in central California. The Wiyot Tribe would collect 2.5 to 3.5 percent of the revenue generated by the casino for the next 20 years. The location of the proposed casino was changed a number of times by both tribes until they settled on a location just west of State Highway 99 in Madera County.

The casino would hold around 2,000 slot machines and the Wiyot Tribe would earn an average of $6 million annually in exchange for not building a casino near the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
 
What will Prop 48 do?

Proposition 48 is a referendum bill, meaning that Californians will be asked whether or not they want to approve the construction of an off-reservation Indian casino in Madera off Highway 99 in the nearly deserted California central valley.

What do supporters of the bill say?

According to the Yes on 48 website, supporters of the bill believe that this reservation will create thousands of jobs and generate economic growth in areas with high unemployment rates. Supporters of Prop 48 also note that the bill will encourage tribal self-reliance and avoids casino development in protected environments.

Yes on 48 campaign flyer (voteyes48.com)
Yes on 48 campaign flyer (voteyes48.com)




















What do opponents of the bill say?

Brigade Capital Management, a New York hedge fund, and the nonprofit Stand Up for California are both strong critics of Proposition 48. Both groups believe that California already houses too many casinos and that there are negative social and environmental impacts to the building of more casinos. Brigade also wants to protect its investments in the nearby Chukchansi Gold Indian Casino and believes that the new casino would force worker layoffs. They also note that the tribe would not be obligated to make payments to local governments. This would cause financial losses in an already economically unstable California.

Vote No on Prop 48 Campaign Video:

What a yes or no vote means?

YES
•    North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians can build a casino with 2,000 slots in Madera County, 38 miles away from its reservation
•    In exchange for $6 million annually for 20 years, the Wiyot Tribe will not build a casino on its land near the Humboldt National Wildlife Refuge

NO
•    North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians will not be permitted to build a casino in Madera County
•    Wiyot Tribe can make a new gambling agreement with the state

From KCET News.

Who supports Prop 48?

•    Governor Jerry Brown
•    Madera State and Federal Representatives
•    Madera County Jurisdictions
•    Madera County Chambers of Commerce
•    Madera Country local law enforcement agencies
•    Environmental groups: Redwood Chapter of the Sierra Club and the Northcoast Environmental Center
•    Local Ethnic/Civic Associations: Central California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce, Madera City Democratic Club, Democratic Party of the San Fernando Valley
•    California Tribal groups

From YesOn48 website.

Who opposes Prop 48?

•    Stand Up for California
•    Table Mountain Rancheria
•    Brigade Capital Management
•    Chukchansi Economic Development Authority
•    United Auburn Indian Community

From KCET News

Reach Web Producer Niki Hashemi here and follow her on Twitter.



 

Buzz

Craig Gillespie directed this true story about "the most daring rescue mission in the history of the U.S. Coast Guard.”

Watch USC Annenberg Media's live State of the Union recap and analysis here.