Pascua Yaqui Tribe Welcomes Arizona Governor Ducey's Commitment To Improving The Arizona-Tribal Gaming Compact

TUCSON, Ariz., Dec. 19, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- On Nov. 21, Governor Doug Ducey and several Arizona Indian Tribes signed agreements to begin the process of renegotiating gaming compacts approved by Arizona voters in 2002. On December 19, the Pascua Yaqui Tribe also agreed to sign this agreement to begin renegotiating its gaming compact.

"The Pascua Yaqui Tribe appreciates Governor Ducey highlighting the need for modernization of the Arizona State-Tribal Gaming compacts. We look forward to working with him to do so," said Robert Valencia, chairman of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe. "We anticipate future good faith discussions with the Governor to craft a mutually beneficial agreement that will help Indian Country and all of Arizona."

Pascua Yaqui gaming revenues support tribal government programs, fund vendor contracts in Southern Arizona, and have created gaming-related business enterprises, all of which help to employ more than 2,000 Southern Arizonans.

"Tribal gaming is about more than just slot machines; it creates jobs and is part of the wider Arizona entertainment industry. Tribes have created strong friendships with the State and municipalities and we will continue that tradition for a better and brighter future," added Valencia.

Benefits of Indian gaming include:

• In 2014, tribal casinos, non-gaming tribal enterprises, and tribal governments generated more than $2.5 billion in estimated gross state product, including $1.6 billion in labor income and $271 million in state and federal taxes other than income taxes.
• Tribal revenue underwrites statewide instructional improvements in schools, trauma and emergency care, tourism promotion, and wildlife conservation. These contributions totaled over $1.1 billion since fiscal year 2004.
• Unlike some private corporations, tribal governments spend revenues locally, do not outsource jobs, and create employment opportunities in rural Arizona.

Governor Ducey's recent slogan has been, "Arizona is open for business." The Governor has promoted lower taxes, less regulation, and the creation of new jobs in the State of Arizona. The Pascua Yaqui Tribe shares the Governor's philosophy and enthusiasm for job creation policies and initiatives. Indian gaming generates needed tribal revenue and has directly produced more than 15,000 jobs in the State of Arizona. Arizona tribal economies welcome the benefits from reduced regulations on Indian gaming enterprises and an increase in opportunity for tribes to continue to expand and create new jobs.

For more information about the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, visit: http://www.pascuayaqui-nsn.gov/

Robert Valencia 
Chairman 
Pascua Yaqui Tribe

SOURCE Pascua Yaqui Tribe