Agua CaLiente Band Of Cahuilla Indians Announces Tribe Will Supplement Military Pay For Its Employees

Employees At Each Of The Tribe?s Enterprises Will Receive Stipend

PALM SPRINGS (November 8, 2002) ? The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians will supplement the salaries of its employees who are called to active military duty. Tribal Chairman Richard M. Milanovich announced the new payroll policy from his office in Palm Springs today.

Under the policy, employees who serve in the military would receive a paycheck less than their paycheck at Agua Caliente will now receive a stipend from the Tribe to make up the difference in pay. In other words, employees will not suffer a financial loss while serving in the U.S. military. The policy effects both personnel who are currently serving as well as employees who may be called in the future.

?Although the Tribe is a sovereign nation, we understand the importance of a strong U.S. military. We are proud of our employees who have been called to duty, and we do not think they should suffer financially while serving the better good of the United States,? Milanovich said.

The policy takes effect immediately and covers employees from all of the Tribe?s enterprises, including the Agua Caliente Casino in Rancho Mirage, Calif.; the Spa Resort Casino and the Tribe?s Heritage Museum in downtown Palm Springs; and its Canyon tours in the surrounding valley.

The Tribe has a long-standing tradition of community involvement. Earlier this year, the Tribe donated more than $1 million to local charities and organizations. Milanovich said, ?When we give back to the community, whether through financial contributions or by serving in the military as our employees do, we strengthen the community. And a strong community is good for the Tribe as well as the entire region.?