An image from the Native Kids First campaign that targets the state of Connecticut.
Connecticut's two federally recognized tribes are backing the state's war against online lenders in Indian Country. The leaders of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and the Mohegan Tribe appeared with Gov. Dannel Malloy (D) at a press conference on Monday to denounce the lending operations. They called for limits on companies that are owned by out-of-state tribes. "Tribes and the entire industry should also ensure they are being responsible and that their customers can repay those loans without being charged unreasonable fees and paying extremely high interest rates," Mashantucket Chairman Rodney Butler said, The Connecticut Post reported. The main target of the state's campaign is the Otoe-Missouria Tribe of Oklahoma. The Department of Banking has hit Chairman John Shotton with a $700,000 fine and imposed another $800,000 on two tribal lending entities. Shotton has fired back with a lawsuit that questions the state's authority over him. Meanwhile, an outside group called the Institute for Liberty launched Native Kids First, a campaign that accuses Malloy of threatening the jobs and services that the tribal lending operation supports. The Mashantuckets and the Mohegans are not involved in the lending industry. But both are seeking the state's support to open new gaming facilities. Get the Story:
CT tribes rally to Malloy’s defense against Oklahoma tribal lenders (The Connecticut Mirror 4/13)
Native American Lenders Soliciting Illegal Loans in Connecticut: Officials (NBC 4/13)
Connecticut tribes support back anti-usury law (The Connecticut Post 4/14)
‘Dark Money’ Group Causes Confusion Over Tribal Lending Complaint (CT News Junkie 4/13)
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