ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) – Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly is expressing disappointment that the New Mexico Legislature didn’t vote on a new gambling compact for the tribe before lawmakers adjourned their 2013 regular session.
A special legislative committee recommended approval of the new compact just one week before the session adjourned, and the proposal quickly stalled due to questions and opposition.
Saturday’s adjournment of the Legislature’s 2013 session likely puts off the issue until the 2014 regular session.
According to the Albuquerque Journal (http://bit.ly/YlXgNl), Democratic Sen. George Munoz of Gallup says the new compact was proposed too late in the session.
Key changes in the new compact would let the Navajos have five casinos, up from two now, and increase the state’s share of revenue.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.
