IDAHO VOTERS' PAMPHLET
Ballot Propositions To Be Voted On at the General Election November 5, 2002

Argument IN FAVOR OF Proposition One

INDIAN TRIBES ARE ONLY ASKING TO KEEP THE GAMING WE HAVE.

Since 1993, as authorized by federal law and agreements with the state, Indian gaming has provided vitally-needed jobs and funds for education, housing and health care on Indian reservations in Idaho.

Before our tribes had gaming, the unemployment rate on Idaho reservations was over 70%. Today, because of Indian gaming, it’s as low as 10%.

Now, a few politicians and special interest groups claim that the video gaming machines that provide most of the revenues at Indian gaming facilities are illegal – even though we’ve had them for years and they’re similar to the state lottery’s video machines.

PROP ONE ALLOWS INDIAN GAMING TO CONTINUE.

Prop One preserves the jobs and economic benefits that Indian gaming provides, by making it clear that Indian tribes can keep the types of gaming we currently have on our own reservations.

"Idaho allows horse racing, off-track betting, charitable gaming and a state lottery. It’s only fair to let Indian tribes keep the gaming they have on their own reservations."
- Dr. John B. Barnes
Former President, Boise State University

PROP ONE PROTECTS THOUSANDS OF IDAHO JOBS.

Hundreds of Indian and other local residents who were once on welfare now have jobs at Indian gaming facilities – saving taxpayers millions of dollars each year in reduced welfare payments.

Indian gaming also supports thousands of other jobs at local businesses that provide services to our gaming facilities and the many visitors we bring in.

"Indian gaming provides crucial jobs in rural areas that need jobs the most, and Idaho can’t afford to lose more jobs. Please join me in voting YES on One."
- Jerry Jaeger, President/Co-Owner, Hagadone Hospitality Co
Past President, Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce

PROP ONE KEEPS INDIAN GAMING ON RESERVATIONS.

Under Prop One, Indian gaming will continue to be limited to federally-designated reservation land – as required by federal law.

Our opponents’ claim that Prop One could somehow allow Indian gaming facilities anywhere in the state is the same shameful scare tactic Nevada casinos have used in other states to try to block Indian gaming measures and kill competition from Indian tribes.

PROP ONE BENEFITS IDAHO SCHOOLS.

Prop One will provide millions of dollars to local schools by dedicating part of Indian gaming revenues to education programs.

"Our state and education system face serious budget problems. Voting YES on One will provide vitally-needed funds to local schools."
- John Hansen, Former Idaho State Senator
and Chair, Senate Education Committee

PROP ONE IS ENDORSED BY THOUSANDS OF IDAHOANS.

A statewide coalition of over 10,000 Idaho businesses, educators, public safety officials, and other Idahoans has joined together to urge a YES vote on PROP ONE.

We hope you’ll join them and us in voting YES on ONE – to protect thousands of Idaho jobs and allow Indian tribes to continue on our path to economic self-reliance.

YES on ONE

The Idaho Coalition for Indian Self-Reliance

Rebuttal to Argument in Favor of Proposition One

PROP ONE WOULD:

LEGALIZE SLOT MACHINES.

BASED UPON FEDERAL LAW, ALLOW NEW CASINOS ON INDIAN LANDS OUTSIDE THE BOUNDARIES OF THE RESERVATIONS, IF THE LANDS WERE ACQUIRED PRIOR TO 1988.

CREATE A LEGAL ARGUMENT THAT TRIBES COULD BUILD CASINOS ON LAND WHICH THEY PURCHASE AFTER PASSAGE OF PROP ONE.

The Idaho Constitution and State and Federal law prohibit Tribal use of slot machines in Idaho. For anyone in Idaho, the use of slot machines is a criminal act. Four times, in federal courts, the tribes have lost legal challenges to use of these machines. THAT’S WHY THEY WANT YOU TO CHANGE IDAHO LAW.

PROP ONE WILL PROBABLY REDUCE FUNDS FOR IDAHO EDUCATION.

Tribal casinos pay no state taxes. If money spent by Idaho citizens in casinos were instead used to purchase other goods and services from tax-paying Idaho businesses about half of the sales and income taxes, would be devoted to education.

PROP ONE MAKES CASINO EXPENDITURES FOR OFF-RESERVATION EDUCATION SOLELY THE OPTION OF THE TRIBES.

A recent objective study of eight "gambling states" by economists at the University of Illinois and Georgia found:

The direct and social costs to local communities are $1.90 per dollar of economic gain attributed to gambling.

Crime rates are 8% higher in counties with casinos.

Just this July, a federal grand jury indicted two Coeur d’Alene tribal enrollment office employees for theft and embezzlement. The prosecutor said others may be charged.

The house always wins and you lose, whether you gamble or not.

Support the Idaho Constitution.

Vote NO on Prop One.

Straight Talk - Gambling in Idaho, Inc.

Arguments printed on this page are the opinions of the authors and have not been checked for accuracy by any official agency.