Louisiana governor won't negotiate with tribe

Wednesday, April 13, 2005  

Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco (D) told the Jena Band of Choctaws Indians on Tuesday that she will not negotiate a Class III compact with the tribe and will fight the tribe's casino efforts.

In a letter [Text], Blanco said the state can't afford another casino despite having more than 20 such facilities and video poker at truck stops and bars. "I do not believe gambling is in the best interests of the citizens of our state," she wrote.

The tribe said in response it might file a lawsuit to force negotiations for a compact. Or the tribe could move forward with Class II games, which don't need state approval.

The tribe, recognized in 1995, is in the process of receiving an initial reservation through the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Get the Story:
Blanco says no casino for Jena Band of Choctaws (The Shreveport Times 4/13)
Blanco tells tribe she will fight any casino bid (The New Orleans Times-Picayune 4/13)
Blanco opposes Jena casino (AP 4/13)