Sherwood Valley Band Joins Opposition to California Assembly Bill 831
Sherwood Valley Band Opposes AB 831
The Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians has officially voiced its strong opposition to California Assembly Bill 831. This legislation, which is currently progressing through the state legislature, seeks to ban all forms of sweepstakes gaming throughout California.
Joining forces with other tribes like the Big Lagoon Rancheria and the Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation of the Cortina Rancheria Tribe, Sherwood Valley stands firmly against the bill. Despite its unanimous approval by the Assembly Appropriations Committee on August 18, these tribes maintain a clear dissenting position.
Concerns Over the Anti-Sweepstakes Legislation
In a formal letter addressed to Chair Ann Caballero of Merced and the Senate Appropriations Committee members, leaders from the Sherwood Valley Band respectfully expressed their concerns. They highlighted that the bill, currently held in the committee’s suspense file, does not reflect a unified tribal consensus across California.
Previously, the bill advanced unanimously through both the Public Safety Committee and the Governmental Organization Committee. However, tribal leaders warn that AB 831 threatens the sovereignty and economic independence of smaller tribes by restricting their ability to develop sustainable revenue streams.
For tribes in rural areas such as Sherwood Valley, economic development opportunities are limited, and gaming operations provide a crucial financial base. Smaller tribes face significant challenges competing with larger casinos near major cities, and by curtailing digital commerce options, the bill would eliminate a critical avenue for economic diversification.
The tribal leadership emphasized that digital gaming platforms are more than just business ventures; they are vital lifelines that help support essential community services including housing, healthcare, education, food security, and other programs.
Challenges Faced by Sherwood Valley Community
Buffey W. Bourassa, Secretary of the Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians, outlined some of the pressing issues their community faces. These include severe housing shortages, with many families living in overcrowded conditions often spanning multiple generations, and a significant homeless population struggling to find stable shelter.
Poverty remains a critical concern, with about one in three residents in California’s tribal areas living below the poverty line. Basic needs are frequently unmet within the Sherwood Valley region.
Unemployment is prevalent due to limited local job opportunities and transportation difficulties, forcing many residents to travel long distances for work.
Food insecurity is also alarmingly high, with studies showing that as much as 92% of rural Native households experience food scarcity compared to a 14% national average.
These cumulative challenges demand immediate and focused action, tribal leaders stated. They warned that prohibiting regulated online gaming would only deepen existing inequalities and hardship within their community.
In conclusion, Sherwood Valley urged lawmakers to reject AB 831 and encouraged pursuit of alternative solutions that empower tribes to diversify their economies, tackle systemic issues, and build a future of sustainable self-governance and prosperity.
Previously, the Social and Promotional Games Association similarly appealed to lawmakers to oppose this bill, criticizing it as hastily drafted, excessively broad, and damaging to the overall economy.
