Supporters of the Menominee Nation off-reservation casino rally in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Photo by Mark Schaaf / Racine Journal Times / Twitter
Supporters of the Menominee Nation off-reservation casino held a rally on Wednesday night, about two months before Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (R) is set to make a decision on the controversial project. The local community supports the $800 million casino in Kenosha, believing it will create thousands of jobs and generate revenues for the county. But Walker has repeatedly delayed a decision in order to study the economic, legal and policy impacts. “We trust the governor will make the right decision 60 days from now,” Kenosha Mayor Keith Bosman said at the rally, The Kenosha News reported.
Artist's rendering of the proposed Menominee Nation off-reservation casino. Image from Casino Kenosha
The Bureau of Indian Affairs approved the casino under the two-part determination provisions of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The law gives Walker the final stay over the project. As part of his review, Walker had to negotiate a Class III gaming compact amendment with the Forest County Potawatomi Community. The new agreement requires the state to compensate the tribe for any losses from the Menominee casino. The BIA is reviewing the compact and a decision is expected in early to mid January. The Menominees believe the provision won't withstand legal scrutiny and Walker apparently believes the same. “If we can’t legally do that, it makes it pretty difficult to say yes. Not impossible, but that’s a pretty big factor in all this,” Walker told WITI> Walker has until February 19, 2015, to announce his decision on the casino. Get the Story:
Rally pushes jobs, economic benefits of casino (The Kenosha News 12/18)
Kenosha casino draws lawmakers, right-to-work advocates, tribes into debate (The Madison Capital Times 12/18)
Casino supporters rally at Dairyland site (The Racine Journal Times 12/18)
People rally in favor of Kenosha casino for jobs (WISN 12/17)
“We need jobs:” Supporters of Kenosha casino turn out by hundreds (WITI 12/17) An Opinion:
John Fund: What’s On the Agenda for GOP Governors Running for President? (The National Review 12/19) Bureau of Indian Affairs Documents:
Press Release | Fact Sheet: Menominee Nation Decision | Section 20 Determination: Menominee Nation Off-Reservation Casino Related Stories:
Rally in support of Menominee Nation off-reservation gaming bid (12/15)
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