I like to hear what you all have to say about I-892 since this initiative will play a very big role in the Native gaming industry which also affects the native fisheries and sports fisheries.

I don't care how you vote but I like to hear your opinions.

I think the website of the supporters is something like:

treatusallthesame.com

Someday we may all get equal treatment. This initiative is one possible step in that direction.

Yes on I-892
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The slot machines are the biggest draw and by far the biggest money makers in casinos.

Why shouldn't non-tribal casinos be allowed to have slot machines to level playing field and be able to compete with tribal casinos?

People are going to gamble, if I-892 passes the increased tax revenue from non-tribal slots would be very significant.

The puyallup tribe has now donated
$1.49 million dollars to the anti 892 efforts while the Tulaips come in second at only $1 million. They can spend that kind of money because they not only have a huge monopoly that is state sanctioned but they PAY NO TAXES

NO STATE LOCAL OR FEDERAL TAXES ARE PAID BY THE TRIBES !!!

Remember Back to The Future?

MCFLY!!!!! HELLLLLLO

ANYBODY HOME?????

Good point about the non-taxed gaming revenue the tribes have to throw around (that's just pocket change to the big tribal casinos).

If a percentage of the overall slot machine revenue were taxed by passing I-892 it would benefit ALL the people in the state and not just the tribes.

The pie is more than big enough for everyone to get a piece.

Regardless of a persons personal politics on the national level, as a citizen/property tax payer of Washington voting YES on I-892 is a no-brainer to me, I hope enough people feel the same on November 2nd.

Profits from Tribal Casinos go back into the tribe (community) where as private non-tribal casino profits do not support the local community.
What do you think about that?
How about the increase of crime rate being directly proportional to the development of casino?

Iron Head,

If I-892 passes, it will lower the property taxes of every home/property owner in Washington state that normally pays them without costing the state's general fund a dime.

This will support/benefit communities all over the state because the monies saved by lower property taxes would be considered additional income and would eventually find it's way back into the state through investments and purchases of goods and services.

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Lower Property Taxes

Vote “Yes” on Initiative 892

Ballot Title: Initiative 892 concerns authorizing additional "electronic scratch ticket machines" to reduce property taxes. This measure would authorize licensed non-tribal gambling establishments to operate the same type and number of machines as tribal governments with a portion of tax revenue generated used to reduce state property taxes.

TAXPAYERS PAID $1 BILLION IN PROPERTY TAXES IN 1980 - WE PAID $6.25 BILLION IN 2003

That six-fold increase is obscene and unsustainable. Property taxes will continue skyrocketing unless voters say "enough." I-892 substantially lowers property taxes for citizens without costing government a penny. It's a win-win revenue-neutral tax cutting initiative. Washington is the 7th highest taxed state in the nation (www.taxfoundation.org) - I-892 keeps us from hitting #1.

WORKING CLASS FOLKS, ESPECIALLY STRUGGLING FIXED-INCOME SENIOR CITIZENS, SHOULDN'T BE TAXED OUT OF THEIR HOMES

I-892 imposes a 35% user fee on electronic scratch ticket machines, using these new revenues - $400 million per year - to substantially lower property taxes. Currently, these machines aren't taxed. I-892 allows existing non-tribal establishments to compete with the tribes (who don't pay taxes), levels the playing field, and substantially lowers property taxes without costing government a penny.

THESE STATE-REGULATED, LICENSED, SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED TAXPAYING BUSINESSES AND NON-PROFITS SIMPLY WANT TO COMPETE

Opponents' main objection is I-892 "expands gambling." Wrong. I-892 only allows existing non-tribal establishments (NOT grocery stores or 7-Elevens - only gambling licensees with 21 and older customers) to compete with the tribes who already offer these same machines. So I-892 authorizes nothing new - it just gives the fixed number of people who play these machines a different place to go. I-892 doesn't "take away" from the tribes - it only requires them to compete.

"JUST TREAT US THE SAME" I-892 ADVOCATES A PRINCIPLE WE ALL BELIEVE IN: EQUAL TREATMENT

Government shouldn't discriminate or give preferential treatment to citizens based on their group affiliation. I-892 requires equal treatment of non-tribal and tribal establishments. That's fair. I-892 provides permanent funding, which doesn't exist now, for problem gambling. I-892 is a balanced, reasonable proposal which allows competition, levels the playing field, and substantially lowers property taxes ($400 million annually) without costing government a penny. Politicians never reduce taxes. Vote "Yes".

Erma Turner, Beauty Shop Owner, gathered 1781 signatures, Cle Elum Eric Phillips, Hiker, Label Company Owner, gathered 1702 signatures, Everett Andre Garin, Retired Post Office, Grandfather, gathered 1642 signatures, Vancouver Jack ***an, Retired Policeman, Retired Navy, Grandfather, campaign organizer, Spokane Mike ***an, Small Businessman, Community Leader, Father, campaign organizer, Spokane Tim Eyman, $30 Car Tab Guy, Taxpayer Advocate, Yakima / Mukilteo

REBUTTAL

Skyrocketing property taxes are obscene and unsustainable - I-892 provides long-overdue relief. Opponents have no alternative. They're only offering threats, lies, and scare tactics. I-892 substantially lowers property taxes ($400 million annually) without costing government a penny - it's revenue-neutral. Tribes are spending multi-millions from their government-protected monopoly to maintain their unfair advantage. I-892 means equal treatment, competition, and a more level playing field. I-892 provides permanent funding for problem gambling. Politicians never reduce taxes. Vote "Yes".

Just Treat Us The Same I-892, 11840 Renton Ave #110, Seattle, WA 98178 Phone: 425-493-8707, Website: http://www.JustTreatUsTheSame.com, Email: jakatak@comcast.net

The National Indian Gaming Association hosted a fund-raiser for Sen. Patty Murray (news, bio, voting record), D-Wash., who's being challenged for re-election by Rep. George Nethercutt (news, bio, voting record), a Republican who a decade ago upset then-House Speaker Thomas Foley. Before that event, Murray had received $68,000 from gaming tribes in the last two years.

Tim Eyeman and David Goldstein are on KVI 570 AM 'Commute with Carlson' debating the I-892 levy right now (4-5 pm 10/12)