Public hearing on Prairie Band casino in Illinois

Tuesday, May 15, 2007  

Rep. Dennis Hastert (R-Illinois) hosted state and federal officials at a public hearing on the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation's plans for gaming in Illinois.

Hastert has previously spoken against tribal gaming in his state. He co-sponsored a bill that would have extinguished all aboriginal and treaty rights, including those of the Kansas-based Prairie Band.

This time, Hastert appears to be more receptive to the idea. According to The Rockford Register Star, he tried to ease concerns about the proposed project, which still has to clear several hurdles at the federal and state level.

The tribe has reacquired 128 acres of 1,200-acre ancestral reservation in Illinois. Penny Coleman, the acting general counsel of the National Indian Gaming Commission, said no decision has been reached on the status of the land and whether it can be used for a casino.

Another hearing will be held on Thursday.

Get the Story:
Gaming plans put Shabbona on edge (The Rockford Register Star 5/15)
Bingo parlor plans go forward (The Sauk Valley News 5/15)