FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Naabik’iyátí’ Committee unanimously approves a gaming compact between the Navajo Nation and the State of New Mexico WINDOW ROCK – Naabik’iyátí’ Committee members today passed Legislation No. 0396-14, approving a term sheet for an amendment to the tribal-state gaming compact between the Navajo Nation and the State of New Mexico. The Navajo Nation’s current 2001 Gaming Compact which the Nation signed onto in 2003 is set to expire on June 30, 2015. “Today’s approval of the Gaming Compact with New Mexico is the result of months of negotiations with the Governor’s Office and has resulted in a Compact that is fair for our people and for the people of New Mexico,” stated Speaker Pro Tem LoRenzo Bates (Nenahnezad, Newcomb, San Juan, Tiis Tsoh Sikaad, Tse’Daa’Kaan, Upper Fruitland). The revenue sharing formula outlined within the proposed compact shows that revenue for the state would escalate from nine-percent to 10.75% over the duration of the 23-year compact which would expire on June 30, 2037. In 2014, the Navajo Nation’s three gaming facilities generated nearly $80 million while providing approximately 755 jobs and contributed approximately $6.3 million to the State of New Mexico through revenue sharing. The Navajo Nation previously negotiated a Gaming Compact with the Governor in 2013 which was not brought to the Senate floor for consideration by the New Mexico State Legislature and again in 2014 session during which the compact did not receive enough supporting votes in the State Senate. “Recently, within the last 60-days we began working with the other gaming tribes under the 2001 Gaming Compact and I believe it is a compact that is better for all parties,” added Pro Tem Bates. Naabik’iyátí’ Committee members approved the legislation with a vote of 11-0. The committee serves as the final authority for the legislation. “We look forward to continuing our cooperation with the other gaming tribes and to move the Compact to the State Legislature for ratification,” said Pro Tem Bates.
Posted on: Tue, 30 Dec 2014 00:14:15 +0000
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