In the new year, Wisconsin residents will likely see a decision from Gov. Scott Walker on the Menominee Nation’s proposal for a casino to be built in Kenosha, the Wisconsin Supreme Court’s ruling on the constitutionality of Act 10 and the gubernatorial election scheduled for November.
Casino in Kenosha
The Menominee tribe and supporters of the proposal argue a casino with such proximity to the Chicago area could tap into a potentially profitable market, bringing millions of dollars to the state.
The Potawatomi tribe in Milwaukee, the plan’s biggest critic, says a casino in Kenosha would hurt revenue for Milwaukee casinos that the tribe owns, as gamblers from Illinois would be diverted to Kenosha. A casino opened in Kenosha could result in 3,000 lost jobs and $140 million lost wages for the city of Milwaukee, according to a statement from the Potawatomi.
Walker released a statement in November updating Wisconsin citizens on the casino decision. Walker said job creation is his highest priority, but he does not want to create jobs in some counties at the expense of other counties.
It is still unclear when Walker will make his decision.
Constitutionality of ACT 10
In 2011, the Wisconsin Legislature passed one of the most recent controversial pieces of legislation in the state. Act 10 effectively prohibited unionized workers from collective bargaining with their employers on issues of wages, sick leave and vacation time. The law sparked massive protests and sit-ins in the Capitol from teachers and their students.
Madison Teachers Inc. challenged Act 10 in court and the Wisconsin Supreme Court heard the first round of oral arguments Nov. 11.
Ultimately the state’s high court must decide if collective bargaining is an inherent right guaranteed by the state constitution. Collective bargaining rights are not explicitly mentioned in the state constitution and with a conservative majority, the justices are expected to uphold Act 10.
November Gubernatorial Election
Wisconsin will turn into a political battleground as Mary Burke and future Democratic gubernatorial candidates attempt to unseat Gov. Scott Walker in November.
Mary Burke is the only Democratic challenger right now, but state Sen. Kathleen Vinehout, D-Alma, has said she will announce her final decision to run or not after the new year. It is looking more likely Vinehout will announce her candidacy after she told the Eau Claire Leader-Telegram she hired a campaign staffer.
“Every day I seem to be getting closer and closer to making the decision to run for governor because of the positive support I’ve found,” Vinehout told the Leader-Telegram.
Mary Burke is a former Trek Bicycle executive and state commerce secretary who has promised she can create jobs in Wisconsin, which currently ranks 34th in private sector job creation, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
To complicate matters, Walker’s name is on a short list of Republican presidential candidates. Although the governor has not revealed his potential presidential ambitions, his name has been floating around conservative think tanks.
Before the governor sets his sights on the presidency, he must first secure a second term as Wisconsin’s governor.
Above all, there is much speculation on a host of different issues, but be sure to look ahead to the new year for decisions that could set important precedents for the Badger state.
