Connecticut's two federally recognized tribes are preparing for a major battle if the state tries to ban smoking at their casinos. The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and the Mohegan Tribe say a proposed bill threatens their sovereignty. Both say it will hurt business at their casinos and the Mohegans have threatened to withhold slot machine revenues if it goes through. "This is the first state to try to do something like this," Mohegan Chairman Bruce Bozsum told The New York Times. "So it’s my job right now to try to protect my tribe and to even reach further to protect all tribes across the country. Everybody is watching." Democrats are supporting the bill, calling it a public health issue. They say the tribes promised to abide by standards at least as stringent as the state's when they signed Class III gaming compacts. Republicans are opposed to the bill. They agree it will infringe on sovereignty and say the state should negotiate with tribes. Get the Story:
State Weighs Ban on Casino Smoking (The New York Times 4/26)