Meskwaki members reject cut in casino payments

Monday, March 2, 2009  

Members of the Meskwaki Tribe of Iowa voted against a reduction in their casino per capita payments.

Referendums were held on two different cuts. One would reduce the payment from $1,800 to $1,000 and the second would cut it down to $500.

Tribal members voted 189-101 against the first cut and 221-69 against the second. "People are suffering. Their cars and appliances are being repossessed, and families are visiting food banks. But tribal leaders don't want to show us the books," former council member Ray Young Bear said.

Tribal leaders say revenue at the Meskwaki Bingo Casino Hotel is declining.

Get the Story:
Meskwaki votes show unhappiness with leaders (The Cedar Rapids Gazette 3/2)
Meskwakis reject Tribal Council's reduction of their share of casino revenue payments (The Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier 3/2)