A looming deadline for a decision on a state Menominee tribe proposal for an off-reservation casino in Kenosha, Wis. is prompting legislators to make a last push for approval before Gov. Scott Walker makes a decision on the issue.
The US Department of the Interior has already approved the casino, leaving it in the hands of Walker, who has power to approve of the project but has remained tight-lipped on the subject. He gave Wisconsin’s tribes until Tuesday to come to a consensus.
The Menominee tribe, which would operate the casino, argues the project would create a steady income and jobs for the state, along with increased tax revenue.
The state Potawatomi tribe, however, has come out against the proposal, saying the Kenosha casino would take business away from their Milwaukee-area casino.
Walker asked for a tribal consensus letter from all state tribes when he was first confronted with the decision, but the Potawatomi concerns has kept tribes from reaching a consensus.
Additionally, the project has received support from multiple legislators representing the Kenosha area, among them, state Assembly Minority Leader Peter Barca, D-Kenosha. Barca and three other area legislators wrote to Walker Tuesday urging him again to approve the casino.
“The prospect of 5,000 direct and indirect jobs, the successful conclusion of a lengthy process that has earned the support of local voters and the potential $75 million into our state and local economies make this a critical opportunity that Southeast Wisconsin should not lose,” Barca and the three area legislators said in a statement.
Menominee Tribal Chairman Craig Corn said in a statement the tribe is preparing to talk with Walker during their next meeting Wednesday.
“We appreciate the Governor’s leadership and the opportunity we will have to share our thoughts and show him that we have met his criteria for approval of the proposed Kenosha Casino,” it said.
Walker could make a decision on the subject as soon as this week, according to Stephanie Marquis, the communications director for the Wisconsin Department of Administration.
