Tribal opposition to Prop 27 + New caucus leadership announced
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MORE TRIBES OPPOSE PROP 27, ACCORDING TO OPPONENTS
Proposition 27, which would legalize online and mobile sports betting, may have the support of three tribes — the Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians, the Middletown Rancheria of Pomo Indians and the Santa Rosa Rancheria Tachi Yokut Tribe. But far more oppose the measure, according to the Yes on 26, No on 27 campaign, which itself is sponsored by California Indian Tribes.
“Prop 27 is a direct attack on Indian self-reliance, and Indian Country overwhelmingly opposes this deceptive measure,” said California Nations Indian Gaming Association Chairman James Siva in a statement. “Prop 27 jeopardizes Indian gaming and vital funding that both gaming and non-gaming tribes use to provide housing, healthcare, firefighting services, education, cultural preservation, and other services for our communities. That’s why more than 50 California Indian tribes — both gaming and nongaming alike — strongly oppose Prop 27.”
The No on 27 campaign lists 60 tribes that oppose Prop 27 from across California, including the California Nations Indian Gaming Association and the Tribal Alliance of Sovereign Indians Nations.
The campaign has dropped a new 15-second ad on the topic.
NEW LEADERSHIP AT THE WOMEN’S CAUCUS
The California Legislative Women’s Caucus has new leadership. Sen. Nancy Skinner, D-Berkeley, was announced as the new caucus chair and Assemblywoman Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, D-Winters, is the new vice chair.
Skinner, who previously served as vice chair, replaces outgoing Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia, D-Bell Gardens.
“As the new chair of the caucus, I’m committed to pushing forward with the important work we’ve done to improve the lives of all California women and families, and to ensure that our state is a national haven for reproductive freedom and abortion rights and services. We will also never waiver in our fight to enshrine the Equal Rights Amendment in the U.S. Constitution where it rightfully belongs,” Skinner said in a statement.
Garcia said that Skinner was a great partner as caucus vice chair in fighting for reproductive rights and uplifting women economically.
As for Aguiar-Curry, she said that her hope is to build the ranks of the caucus so that it numbers 50 or more members after the November election.
“I am especially committed to promoting in every workplace, especially the legislative workplace, a more healthy and safe environment that respects every person, regardless of gender, background, race, ethnicity or orientation,” she said.
The Legislative Women’s Caucus first formed in 1985, and now includes 39 lawmakers from both parties, including 15 senators and 24 assemblywomen.
BLACK CAUCUS NAMES NEW LEADERS
Also announcing new leadership on Tuesday was the 12-member California Legislative Black Caucus.
Sen. Steven Bradford, D-Gardena, is nearing the end of his term as chair. Replacing him is Assemblywoman Lori D. Wilson, D-Suisun City, who called being elected to the position a great honor.
“I look forward to working with my colleagues to uplift over two million Black residents living in California. From access to healthcare to housing and homelessness to criminal justice reform and creating economic opportunity, the CLBC has a long history of legislative accomplishments,” Wilson said in a statement.
Bradford will stay on in a leadership role, however, as he will serve as caucus vice chair.
“It has and continues to be a distinct privilege to serve as an executive leader of the California Legislative Black Caucus,” Bradford said in a statement. “In everything I do, my role and responsibility is to pick up the baton where our previous Chairs, founding and former serving members left off by continuing to champion Black issues in the state.”
The caucus was formed in 1967 “to eliminate existing racial and social disparities and inequities for Black Americans,” according to a caucus statement.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“The plan to fight inflation can’t simply be ‘have a popsicle and buy a Tesla’. Families struggling to make ends meet in this crazy state deserve so much better than that.”
- Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher, R-Yuba City, via Twitter.
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This story was originally published August 24, 2022 at 4:55 AM.