Gaming compact passes NM senate – two more hurdles to go
SANTA FE
Last year around this time Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly’s hopes were dashed when the New Mexico’s senate voted down the tribal gaming compact.
The struck compact drove the Nation back to the drawing board along with four other tribes, Mescalero Apache Nation, Jicarilla Apache Nation, Pueblo of Acoma and the Pueblo of Jemez, which also have gaming compacts that end on June 30.
To Shelly’s relief on March 11, the senate approved the joint gaming compact 35 – 7, which is considered the biggest hurdle of last year’s and this year’s legislative process.
“I’m very thrilled that it passed. This is a great day for the Navajo Nation and the other four tribes. Together, we have produced a gaming compact that is fair, reasonable and has the benefit of creating jobs for the tribes and the state,” said Shelly as he stood in the east lobby of the round house after the vote came down.
“The (tribal) council supports this and it worked out well,” said Delegate Leonard Tsosie (Pueblo Pintado/Casamero Lake/Whitehorse Lake/Counselor/ Ojo Encino/Littlewater/Baca/Prewitt/Torreon).
In addition to Tsosie, Delegate Tom Chee (Shiprock) and Delegate Seth Damon (Manuelito/Bááháál’/Tsayatoh/Rock Springs/Chichiltah/Tsé Lichíí) were at the round house to support the compact.
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