Lawmaker won't pursue casino for Burt Lake Band

Wednesday, July 1, 2009  

A lawmaker in Michigan said it is "fruitless" to pursue a casino for the Burt Lake Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians.

State Rep. Matt Lori (R) said state laws must be changed before the non-recognized tribe casino can open a casino. But he said there was no "political will" to do so at this time.

"From my point of view, it would be fruitless to continue pursuing legislation that has very little hope of succeeding at this time," Lori said Tuesday in a statement. "Rather than give people false hope, I think we need to move on to find another solution."

The tribe has unsuccessfully sought federal recognition.

Get the Story:
State unlikely to change gaming laws to pave way for Sturgis casino, lawmaker says (The Kalamazoo Gazette 7/1)
Lori: Casino a longshot (The Sturgis Journal 7/1)