Bill Overview
Title: Old Pascua Community Land Acquisition Act
Description: This act directs the Department of the Interior to take tribally owned lands in Pima County, Arizona, into trust for the benefit of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe of Arizona. Lands taken into trust shall be part of the Pascua Yaqui Reservation. The act allows gaming on the land taken into trust.
Sponsors: Rep. Grijalva, Raúl M. [D-AZ-3]
Target Audience
Population: People who are members of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe
Estimated Size: 4000
- The Pascua Yaqui Tribe of Arizona will be directly impacted as the bill pertains to their land.
- The acquisition of land into trust generally affects the tribal community as it provides opportunities for development, governance, and utilization of natural resources.
- Gaming permissions can lead to economic development opportunities for the tribe, potentially providing jobs, revenue, and funding for tribal programs.
- Local residents in Pima County, Arizona may be indirectly impacted by increased economic activity or changes in land use.
- The larger community, including non-tribe members in Arizona, might experience changes related to business, tourism, and regional development influenced by gaming and growth in the area.
Reasoning
- The Pascua Yaqui Tribe of Arizona will be directly impacted as the bill pertains to their land.
- The acquisition of land into trust generally affects the tribal community as it provides opportunities for development, governance, and utilization of natural resources.
- Gaming permissions can lead to economic development opportunities for the tribe, potentially providing jobs, revenue, and funding for tribal programs.
- Local residents in Pima County, Arizona may be indirectly impacted by increased economic activity or changes in land use.
- The larger community, including non-tribe members in Arizona, might experience changes related to business, tourism, and regional development influenced by gaming and growth in the area.
Simulated Interviews
Small Business Owner (Tucson, Arizona)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think the new gaming facilities might increase foot traffic and generally boost local businesses, including mine.
- There are concerns about increased traffic and infrastructure strain, but overall it seems beneficial.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Tribal Council Member (Pascua Yaqui Reservation, Arizona)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is crucial for expanding our economic base and providing employment opportunities for our community.
- I'm looking forward to new programs funded by the revenues from the gaming operations.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 5 |
Retired (Pascua Yaqui Reservation, Arizona)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's good to see the tribe gaining more land which can bring improvements to our healthcare and school systems.
- There might be cultural concerns with the gaming aspect, but overall it's a positive change.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
City Planner (Phoenix, Arizona)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Economic development in nearby areas often brings opportunities for infrastructure improvement.
- I'm optimistic about increases in tourism and local revenue.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Hospitality Worker (Pima County, Arizona)
Age: 27 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- More gaming and attractions could boost tourism, increasing hours and tips at my job.
- I hope the growth doesn't disrupt the community feel too much.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Casino Employee (Pascua Yaqui Reservation, Arizona)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Expanding the reservation with gaming options should bring more jobs.
- I'm hoping for improved pay and benefits with increased casino size.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 6 |
University Student (Tucson, Arizona)
Age: 22 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm concerned about the social impacts of increased gaming, such as problem gambling.
- I hope there will be safeguards and community programs to address potential issues.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Environmental Scientist (Pima County, Arizona)
Age: 36 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I worry about the environmental impact of new developments on pristine lands.
- Sustainable planning is key to ensuring a balance between economic growth and ecological preservation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
School Teacher (Pascua Yaqui Reservation, Arizona)
Age: 48 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- More funding from gaming operations could mean better resources and programs for our school.
- It's important to preserve cultural education as we grow economically.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Retired (Green Valley, Arizona)
Age: 65 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm curious about the social changes that might come with development work in the area.
- Being retired, I'm both excited about new entertainment options and concerned about potential overcrowding.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $2000000 (Low: $1000000, High: $3000000)
Year 2: $1000000 (Low: $500000, High: $1500000)
Year 3: $500000 (Low: $250000, High: $750000)
Year 5: $500000 (Low: $250000, High: $750000)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- Federal administrative costs will be short-term, while economic benefits are expected to grow over time.
- The act allows gaming on the land, which is a key driver of economic activity and subsequent tax revenue.
- There is a potential for social and economic change in local communities, which could have both positive and negative effects.