NorthwestJanuary 25, 1996

From the Associated Press

Additional tax breaks may not be possible

OLYMPIA Washington residents probably will have to wait until 1997 before the Legislature can deliver on intentions to cut property taxes and that's only if state leaders can agree on how much to cut.

Leaders of the House and Senate, along with Gov. Mike Lowry, have proposed varying levels of tax breaks for property owners this year.

But with tax time approaching, it doesn't appear they'll be able to provide any relief for 1996.

"It is too late," Kevin O'Sullivan, Thurston County's assessor, said in an interview Wednesday before attending a House Finance Committee hearing on proposals to cut property taxes.

O'Sullivan said his agency waited as long as it could, but the county had to begin processing tax statements this week to meet legal deadlines.

He said other counties undoubtedly have the same problem.

Businesses say tribal casinos killing them

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OLYMPIA Saying tribal casinos are putting them out of business, restaurant and bar owners urged a House panel to legalize video poker machines and ease restrictions on pull tabs and card rooms.

"We're being devastated. It's annihilating our businesses," Bob Materne told the House Commerce and Labor Committee on Wednesday.

The Spokane restaurant owner said a casino operated by the Spokane tribe has lured many of his customers away.

Business owners found a reluctant ally in Rep. Gene Goldsmith, R-Ferndale.

He is sponsoring HB2364, which would legalize video poker machines for some charities, restaurants and bars.

Goldsmith says he's personally opposed to gambling, but that video poker could help even the playing field for businesses that are suffering.

A dozen tribal casinos are running in Washington, raking in more than $600 million a year, says Frank Miller, state Gambling Commission director.

Most are regulated by an agreement between the tribe and the state which limits the size of wagers and the number of gaming tables.

But the Colville and Spokane tribes are operating casinos without any regulation by the state. The tribes dispute the state's authority to regulate their affairs and both sides are waiting for a federal court to rule on the matter.

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