Opinion

Editorial: Little River Band off-reservation casino is about the jobs

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

"What part of economic development don’t Michigan legislators understand?

The unsuccessful attempt last week to discharge a resolution from committee concerning a tribal casino proposed for Muskegon, proves lawmakers have a better understanding of politics than job creation.

Apparently, politics is what’s holding up approval of a compact allowing the development of a casino at the former Great Lakes Downs race course, another gambling venue.

Just to set the record straight, more than 13,000 people were unemployed in Muskegon County in July. Muskegon has either led the state in unemployment or been near the top since December 2008. Yet, a proposal that could generate more than 1,000 jobs and more than $100 million in investment has been languishing in a House committee since April.

That $100 million is just the beginning of the economic impact. As The Chronicle Editorial Board has noted before, area economic development officials believe the multiplier effect of the casino project would be double or triple the tribe’s investment.

Salaries for the more than 700 direct jobs that are expected to be created would average $40,000 plus benefits. About 25 percent of Muskegon County residents do not have health insurance."

Get the Story:
Editorial: It's about jobs (The Muskegon Chronicle 8/31)