Rally in support of Menominee Nation off-reservation casino bid


Artist's rendering of the proposed Menominee Nation off-reservation casino. Image from Casino Kenosha

Supporters of the Menominee Nation off-reservation casino will speak at a rally on Wednesday.

The rally will be held at the site of the proposed $800 million casino in Kenosha. Speakers include Gary Besaw, the chairman of the Menominee Kenosha Gaming Authority, and Jeff Hook, a senior vice president of Hard Rock International.

“The Menominee Tribe is very grateful for the tremendous outpouring of public support for the Menominee-Hard Rock Hotel & Casino,” Besaw said in a press release, WITI reported. “This rally will represent yet another demonstration of our efforts to bring good paying jobs to southeast Wisconsin while providing top-notch entertainment for visitors who come to our state."

Through its Hard Rock company, the Seminole Tribe of Florida is financing the project. The two tribes believe the casino will create more than 10,000 construction and permanent jobs.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs approved the casino under the two-part determination provisions of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The law gives veto authority to Gov. Scott Walker (R).

As part of his review, Walker had to negotiate a Class III gaming compact amendment with the Forest County Potawatomi Community. The new agreement requires the state to compensate the tribe for any losses from the Menominee casino.

The BIA is reviewing the compact and a decision is expected in early to mid January. The Menominees believe the provision won't withstand legal scrutiny.

Walker has until February 19, 2015, to announce his decision on the casino.

Get the Story:
Casino supporters plan jobs rally (The Kenosha News 12/12)
“Kenosha Rally for Jobs” set for December 17th ahead of Kenosha casino decision deadline (WITI 12/11)
Menominee Positive About Gaming Compact Amendment (WXPR 12/11)
Will the Seminoles Unionize their Florida Hard Rocks? (Sunshine State News 11/15)

Bureau of Indian Affairs Documents:
Press Release | Fact Sheet: Menominee Nation Decision | Section 20 Determination: Menominee Nation Off-Reservation Casino

Related Stories
Christian group against Menominee Nation off-reservation casino (12/10)

Join the Conversation