Native American tribes from around the state clashed with a group of state legislators over the past two days regarding a proposed Kenosha area Menominee casino.
The proposed casino has already received approval from the U.S. Department of the Interior and now faces an in-state conflict, spurred by Gov. Scott Walker’s ability to veto the construction using a power given to him under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988.
Menominee representatives have argued the casino would provide the cash-strapped tribe a steady source of income and also add jobs and tax revenue to the state’s economy. Critics of the casino, including a new coalition of Democratic Milwaukee area state legislators, argue the casino would have a negative economic impact, causing Milwaukee and surrounding community businesses to lose workers to the casino.
Walker said he would delay a decision on his veto until he had a consensus from the state’s 11 Native American tribes. The tribal consensus has proved tentative as the Potawatomi, who already operate a large casino in the nearby Milwaukee area, have expressed concerns a new casino would take their business.
However, seven tribes joined the Menominee in signing a letter to Walker Thursday, urging him to support the casino development because it would “bring millions of dollars in new revenue” and “create thousands of quality jobs.”
The Potawatomi did not sign the tribal “consensus” letter.
The “caucus” of Milwaukee legislators, which included state Senate Minority Leader Chris Larson, wrote their own letter to Walker Tuesday urging him to consider the “potentially devastating” negative economic implications the casino could cause. They specifically said the casino could lead to 3,000 lost Milwaukee-area jobs. The legislators also expressed their concern for the Potawatomi, who they said have been “a strong community partner in the Milwaukee region.”
Walker’s office did not return phone calls requesting comment.
