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FEBRUARY 6, 2001

Tribal leaders, state lawmakers, and concerned citizens on Monday debated a Nebraska constitutional amendment which would allow expanded gaming for the state's tribes.

The issue was debated before the General Affairs Committee, where four members have supported bringing it to the voters, three have opposed it, and one remains uncommitted. Lance Morgan, CEO of Ho-Chunk Inc., the development corporation of the Winnebago Tribe, said it was "paternalistic" to keep the debate before the Committee and that it should be placed before voters.

Thelma Thomas, a Santee Sioux tribal council member, said the amendment would benefit the entire community. The tribe has been operating a tiny Class III casino in defiance of federal authorities.

Senator DiAnna Schimek introduced the amendment.

Get the Story:
Committee undecided on Native gaming (The Lincoln Journal Star 2/6) Tribes Say Casinos Can Cure Ills (The Omaha World-Herald 2/6)