Facebook Twitter Email
MAY 10, 2001

Connecticut towns clamoring for more money from tribal casinos may get their wish after minority lawmakers met with them on Wednesday.

Officials from southeastern Connecticut, where the two tribal casinos are located, arranged the meeting with the Black and Puerto Rican Caucus to dispel notions that their push for more money was racially biased. Minority lawmakers have criticized some of the funding requests regarding tribal issues.

Now, they appear convinced of the town's good -- but some say greedy -- intentions. Still, the only topic discussed yesterday was casino aid, not more controversial proposals like giving Attorney General Richard Blumenthal more money to challenge federal recognition.

The casinos owned by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and the Mohegan Tribe are expanding. The growth is expected to bring in $30 million.

Of that amount, the towns want to distribute $10 million among themselves.

Get the Story:
Towns may gain ally in changing casino impact aid (The New London Day 5/10)

Related Stories:
Money sought to fight Conn. tribes (5/9)
Anti-Pequot towns say they aren't racist (5/8)
State may get recognition funding (5/2)
Indian actions criticized in Conn. (4/30)
Communities pitch for more casino money (4/27)
Group wants more casino aid (4/25)
Indian budget proposals questioned (4/17)
Request for tribal funds questioned (2/16)