Jan 30, 2008 2:01 pm US/Eastern
Supreme Court At The Center Of Indian Gaming Deal
TALLAHASSEE (CBS4) ―
Attorney's for the House of Representatives made their case before the Supreme Court Wednesday, arguing against a gambling compact made between Governor Charlie Crist and the Seminole Tribe of Indians.
An attorney for the Florida House, Jon Mills, says Governor Charlie Crist violated the Florida Constitution when he agreed with the tribe to expand gambling in the state.
But attorneys for the governor and the tribe argue that Crist was only acting on existing state and federal law.
Mills also argues that any agreement made by the governor should be approved by the Legislature. But the attorney for Crist says the governor was under a federal order to negotiate with the tribe.
The inked deal between the tribe and the state allows Vegas-style slots machines, and various types of card games available to gamblers in Seminole casinos stretched across Florida. In return, the state would get $50 million immediately and $100 million guaranteed in the first year. In the second year, the state is guaranteed $125 million and at least $150 million in the third year.
Tax dollars from gambling would be funneled into a state education fund.
The high court has no timetable for a ruling.
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