Put Money Where Forked Tongue Is

House Speaker Mike Simpson and other southern Idaho Republicans who run the Legislature have a second chance to begin doing right by Idaho’s Indian tribes.

For the second year in a row, a bill has been introduced that would give the tiny Kootenai Indian Tribe a sales-tax exemption like ones enjoyed by the state’s other four tribes.

Last year, the Legislature killed four similar bills - despite promising during a 1992 special session on casino gambling to help reservations develop economically. Yet, it shamelessly overrode former Gov. Cecil Andrus’ veto, in handing billionaire J.R. Simplot $2 million in tax relief for an ethanol plant.

The Legislature needs to put some money where its forked tongue has been. Fairness dictates that the Kootenais get their exemption, worth about $200,000 to $400,000 annually.

The Legislature has its credibility to consider.

In summer 1992, it promised to help the tribes after denying their request to put an Indian gaming initiative on the fall ballot. Instead, the special session approved a constitutional amendment, later passed by voters over tribal objections, that banned casino gambling.

Unfortunately, legislative opposition last year cost the struggling Kootenais an opportunity to buy the Bargain Giant store in Bonners Ferry. The tribe had proposed to collect a surcharge instead of a sales tax, keeping 63 percent for tribal programs and giving the remainder to the local hospital and school board.

The Legislature’s lukewarm reception for the new bill sponsored by state Sen. Cecil Ingram, R-Boise, contrasts dramatically with Gov. Phil Batt’s enlightened approach to tribal relations.

In his State of the State speech, Batt made economic development on Indian reservations one of his top priorities. He’s already met with state Indian leaders and plans to establish an “Indian desk” either in his office or the state Department of Commerce. Additionally, the Coeur d’Alene tribe’s proposed lottery has his blessing.

Batt rightfully considers the pockets of extreme poverty on Idaho reservations to be intolerable.

So is the Legislature’s refusal to keep its word.

The following fields overflowed: CREDIT = D.F. Oliveria For the editorial board