Tohono O'odham Nation gathers support against anti-casino bill

Wednesday, September 21, 2011  

The Tohono O'odham Nation of Arizona is gathering support in opposition to a bill that would block its plan for an off-reservation casino.

The Arizona Contractors Association is asking Rep. Trent Franks (R-Arizona), the sponsor of H.R.2938, to withdraw his bill. The group says the tribe's casino will generate jobs and boost the economy.

“Federal laws have been around since the 1980’s that allow for this development to move forward, it is time to move forward and create jobs, ACA’s President/CEO David Jones said in a press release.

Opponents -- including the city of Glendale and the Gila River Indian Community -- are also rallying support. The Keeping The Promise coalition says the casino will harm the community and local businesses.

Get the Story:
Glendale hopes bill will halt Tohono O'odham's casino plan (The Arizona Republic 9/21)
Westside Insider: Both sides of casino issue rally support (The Arizona Republic 9/21)

Related Stories:
Rep. Grijalva opposes bill to halt Tohono O'odham Nation casino (9/19)
Press conference for bill to block Tohono O'odham Nation casino (9/16)
Bill bars Tohono O'odham Nation from gaming on acquired land (9/15)
Rep. Franks to introduce bill to outlaw Tohono O'odham casino (9/14)
Lawmaker drafts bill to block Tohono O'odham Nation casino (9/13)