Under a new agreement signed Monday, the state would guarantee that the Potawatomi tribe does not lose money from a proposed competing casino in Kenosha. However, the Walker administration's attorney on the matter says the governor does not have the power to create annual spending obligations like that.
Lance Boldrey told a U-S Interior Department official the deal might violate the state constitution. The new agreement is part of the tribe's state gaming compact, and it would require arbitration to determine the final payment arrangement. The Menominee tribe has offered to cover the Potawatomi's losses from its new Hard Rock resort -- but the state would still be responsible for making sure the tribe gets paid. The Bureau of Indian Affairs gave its endorsement last year to the Kenosha casino.
Potawatomi spokesperson George Ermert...
"....this compact amendment, coupled with the state's mitigation agreement with the Ho-Chunk nation could result in the state of Wisconsin being responsible for over $100 million dollars to the tribes as a result of the Kenosha casino..."
Ermert says the Potawatomi remain opposed to the Kenosha casino...
"....Potawatomi are going to continue to work with Governor Walker in reviewing all the aspects of this casino project. But the tribe continues to be opposed to the project and believes Gov. Walker will ultimately decide it's not in the best interest of Wisconsin..."
Governor Walker has said he won't approve it unless all 11 Wisconsin tribes give their blessings. The Ho-Chunk tribe also says it remains opposed. In a statement, the Menominee tribe said it was pleased with the governor's arrangement, calling it a major hurdle to the Kenosha casino's final approval.
