Treasurer Seki’s Testimony on March 5, 2004, before the House Government Operations and Veteran’s Affairs Policy Committee

Treasurer Darrell Seki testified before the House Government Operations and Veteran’s Affairs Policy Committee on Friday, March 5, 2004. The preceding is his testimony.

      Good afternoon Chairman Rhodes and committee members. I am Darrell Seki, Tribal Treasurer of the Red Lake Nation Tribal Council. I’m honored to appear before the committee to seek your suport and passages of our gaming bill, the Minnesota Gaming Equity Act, 2135.

      I also want to acknowledge Red Lake Nation Tribal members and White Earth Tribal members that are here today in support of our gaming bill, the Minnesota Gaming Equity Act.

      The Legislature before you today, the Minnesota Equity Act Bill, attempts to fix the inequity in the current gaming market in Minnesota. The Minnesota Equity Act Bill creates a partnership between the two largest Northern Tribes of Minnesota, the Red Lake Nation, White Earth Nation, and partner with the State of Minnesota.

      As you heard competition, it is up to an individual which casino to go.

      The revenues generated by this State/Tribal Casino would allow the two Nations to alleviate some of the pressing social problems we are facing today and give the State of Minnesota much needed revenue for their shortfall.

      The pressing social problems that have been presented to the Legislators previously, however the numbers have increased and they are:

      Unemployment at (60%); housing shortage , waiting estimate at 600 tribal members; law enforcement face tremendous challenges from gangs, drugs, alcohol issues and [are] annually underfunded to address these challenges; Tribal Courts, Fire Department, Higher Education all have financial shortfalls. 740 Tribal members are currently enrolled in the MFIP Program; 500 Tribal members on Food Stamps; 250 families on Commodity Food Program.

      These are the social programs and problems that need immediate attention due to lack of dollars.

      The stats I just identified to you are issues we constantly face in our reservation. For Tribal members living off the reservation, many here in the Twin Cities, the stats are not much better. Poverty, unemployment, health care, housing, chemical dependency, education and transportation are a staple of many of their lives. All these issues identified would be immediately addressed from revenues if the State/Tribal Casino becomes a reality.

      Last night I just returned from a National Federal budget meeting with [the] BIA for all Tribes in Phoenix, AZ. The president’s proposed budget cuts are at $53 million dollars. These proposed cuts will trickle down to the states, then to the Tribes. We’ll end up with nothing. I testified to address Red Lake Nation shortfalls and demanded the cuts to be restored–and some.

      Now, if you support and pass this bill, the Minnesota Gaming Equity Act, the revenues from the State/Tribal Casino would create jobs through economic development, address housing for Tribal members, create job training programs, fund law enforcement, tribal courts, fire department, education and build infrastructure for a better life for our Tribal members. Schools, health care, clinics and roads would be included.

      Urban Tribal members would also benefit from the revenues, creating jobs, housing, health care, education and transportation and etc. All these would be addressed.

      A State/Tribal Casino would also create jobs in the Metro area for construction workers, hotel and casino workers, urban Tribal members would gain employment, nimority of color would also benefit, area businesses, the State, cities, counties would all benefit from revenues, taxes, property taxes and etc.

      Again I’ll repeat, as you debate today I ask you to support Red Lake Nation and White Earth Nation Gaming Bill. Remember, as they say in real estate, location, location, location is what matters. It’s the right thing to do. Vote yes.

      It is very unfortunate the Tribes that benefit from such locations have never shown interest in supporting our efforts. There are plenty to go around. It would not hurt their current operations. If they would support our efforts it would be the right thing to do. Our efforts are to make better living conditions for our Tribal members.

      The Minnesota Gaming Equity Act will create equity in Indian Gaming, will bring much needed revenue into the state’s general fund, will address the needs of the two largest tribes (citizens) of Minnesota.

      In closing, this is not about me–it is for the people of Red Lake Nation and White earth Nation. The Minnesota Gaming Equity Act is the best proposal you have heard today, years past or in the future.

      I seek and ask for your support. Vote yes, it is the right thing to do...Miigwetch.

(The Minnesota Gaming Equity Act bill passed before the committee 7-6 on this same date, and goes before Ways and Means Committee during the week of April 13, 2004, before going to the Senate.)