Tribe of Sherwood Valley in California Stands Against Proposed Legislation AB 831, Making Them the Third Native American Group to Express Opposition
The Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians, along with other California tribes, have voiced strong opposition to California Assembly Bill 831, a proposed legislation aimed at banning all forms of sweepstakes gaming in the state.
In a formal letter, tribal leaders of the Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians emphasized that California Assembly 831 does not represent the California tribes' unified perspective. They argue that the bill, if passed, would worsen existing disparities and hinder their efforts to address issues such as food insecurity, housing shortages, homelessness, poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to healthcare and education.
The letter, signed by Buffey W. Bourassa, the secretary of the Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians, highlights the stark reality of food insecurity in rural Native households. Citing studies, it mentions rates reaching as high as 92%, while the national average stands at 14%. The lack of food security is a pressing concern, with basic needs often going unmet in the Sherwood Valley area.
Housing shortages are another pressing issue, with entire families forced into overcrowded living arrangements. Poverty is another hardship, with roughly one in three residents of California's tribal areas living below the poverty line. Unemployment is a harsh reality in the region due to scarce job opportunities and lack of reliable transportation.
For tribes located in rural areas like Sherwood Valley, gaming has provided an important foundation for traditional economic development. Digital platforms, seen as lifelines, have the potential to support housing, healthcare, education, food security, and community programs for smaller tribes. By restricting opportunities in digital commerce, AB 831 would cut off a vital path to diversification for smaller tribes.
The Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians and other tribes oppose California's AB 831 because it would threaten their inherent rights to create legitimate revenue streams. They argue that the bill, if passed, would limit economic opportunities vital to addressing issues like unemployment, poverty, healthcare, and education. Instead, they advocate for policies that support economic diversification and tribal self-governance.
The Big Lagoon Rancheria and Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation of the Cortina Rancheria Tribe have also expressed opposition to California Assembly 831. The Social and Promotional Games Association sent a message to lawmakers last month, urging them to reject California Assembly 831, which they described as rushed, overly broad, and harmful to the economy.
Currently, the bill, which previously passed through the Public Safety Committee and the Governmental Organization Committee with unanimous votes, is in the Senate Appropriations Committee's "suspense file." The Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians and other tribes hope that lawmakers will reconsider and look for different solutions that would empower all tribes to diversify economically, address systemic challenges, and chart a path toward sustainable self-governance and prosperity.
