September 21, 2015
A resolution submitted by The Third Legislative District Democrats urging Governor Jay Inslee to support the Spokane Tribe Economic Project (STEP) was approved without change by the Washington State Democratic Central Committee (WSDCC) on Saturday, September 19.
The WSDCC consists of committeemen and committeewomen representing Democrats from all of Washington state's counties and legislative districts. The organization determines the policies of the Washington State Democratic Party.
The resolution reads:
"WHEREAS the Spokane Tribe Economic Project (STEP) in the West Plains of Spokane County has been approved by the Department of the Interior;
WHEREAS the Interior Department has determined that the STEP proposal is in the best interest of the Spokane Tribe and its members and is not detrimental to the surrounding community;
WHEREAS the Interior Department has worked with the Spokane Tribe and the Air Force to establish procedures to mitigate any potential encroachment and to ensure the Fairchild Air Force Base will operate undisturbed;
WHEREAS more than 5,000 construction-related and permanent jobs will be created by STEP in Spokane County and substantial revenues will be generated for a variety of businesses as a result of the economic development attributable to the project;
WHEREAS STEP’s economic benefits will increase tribal public service programs on the Spokane Reservation;
WHEREAS STEP is within the aboriginal area of the Spokane Tribe and the Spokane Tribe should not be denied the opportunity to use its own aboriginal lands for the purpose of establishing a casino and related business operations;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that we, the Washington State Democratic Central Committee, endorse the approval of STEP by the Department of the Interior and call upon Governor Jay Inslee to approve the Spokane Tribe’s STEP project pursuant to the 2006 compact between the State of Washington and the Spokane Tribe."
Third Legislative