Mich. tribes oppose 'racino' as lose-lose for state

Wednesday, March 24, 2004  

Representatives of several tribes on Tuesday called for the Michigan Legislature to defeat bills that would turn seven racetracks into casinos.

Tribal leaders joined with county and school officials to protest "racino" bills pending in the Legislature. They said approval would lead to a loss in jobs and revenues for tribes, schools and local governments.

"In allowing slot machines at racetracks around the state, not only will the government lose millions, but Indian tribes, including the Pokagon Band, will lose revenue that helps fund and develop adequate housing, community centers and health care facilities," said John Miller, chairman of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi.

Representatives of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, the Sault St. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, and the Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians took part in the protest. They cited a statewide survey of 600 likely voters that showed 67 percent oppose the racino bill.