Artist's rendering of the proposed Menominee Nation off-reservation casino. Image from Casino Kenosha
Wisconsin newspaper says the proposed Menominee Nation $810 million off-reservation casino in Kenosha comes at the expense of the Forest County Potawatomi Tribe:
The Potawatomi are right to pressure Walker to make a decision. He should have decided by now — he should reject the Kenosha project. Wisconsin doesn't need another casino, especially when there is so much evidence that the new operation will harm existing ones. The decision to withhold payment stems from compact agreements negotiated by former Gov. Jim Doyle several years ago. These deals included clauses requiring the state to reimburse some tribes for losses resulting from new competitors, which could add up to tens of millions of dollars in payments to the Potawatomi and Ho-Chunk tribes. The Potawatomi compact calls for a panel of arbitrators to decide how the tribe would be reimbursed, a process that is under way, sources tell Journal Sentinel reporters. The Kenosha casino project has vowed to reimburse tribes that can verify they lost money because of the new gaming operation, and the Menominee tribe, which has proposed the casino, contend the state might not have to cover any losses. But, as one source told reporters, "It's clear as mud." That means there is plenty of reason for skepticism. If the Potawatomi and Ho-Chunk can be made whole with revenue from a new casino, that's one thing. If they can only be made whole by reduced payments to the state, that's another matter.Get the Story:
Editorial: Potawatomi up the ante in the Kenosha casino dispute (The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 8/28) Other Opinions:
Editorial: Complex trends underlie Walker casino dilemma (The Northwestern 8/28)
Steve Lund: Dairyland has a loophole in tribal gaming compact (The Kenosha News 8/28) Also Today:
Menominee vow to cover other tribes’ losses (The Kenosha News 8/28)
Poll shows statewide support for Kenosha casino (The Kenosha News 8/28)
Walker Says He'll Take His Time Making Kenosha Casino Decision (WUWM 8/28)
Kenosha's mayor, Rep. Barca want approval of Menominee's casino proposal (WTAQ 8/28)
Walker: Casino could cost taxpayers $100 million (The Green Bay Press-Gazette 8/28)
Walker feeling pressure to OK Kenosha casino (AP 8/28)
Dems from Kenosha, Racine call for Gov. Walker to OK Kenosha casino (The Milwaukee Business Journal 8/27)
Lawmakers caught off guard by Potawatomi's refusal to make payment to state (WISN 8/27)
Democrats call for movement on Kenosha casino (CBS 8/27)
Dems call for ‘urgency’ on Kenosha casino negotiations (Wisconsin Radio Network 8/27)
Walker reacts to Potawatomi’s non-payment (Wisconsin Radio Network 8/28)
Kenosha-area officials call for casino approval (AP 8/27)
Tribe withholding annual payment to state (Fox 11 8/27)
Proposed Kenosha casino controversy: Potawatomi Tribe withholds payment to the state (WITI 8/26) Bureau of Indian Affairs Documents:
Press Release | Fact Sheet: Menominee Nation Decision | Section 20 Determination: Menominee Nation Off-Reservation Casino Related Stories:
Forest County Potawatomi Tribe cuts gaming payment to state (8/27)
WUWM: Menominee Nation still waiting for off-reservation casino (8/25)
Menominee Nation remains confident with off-reservation casino (8/22)
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