Artist's rendering of the proposed Menominee Nation off-reservation casino. Image from Casino Kenosha
The Menominee Nation and its supporters rallied at the Wisconsin State Capitol on Thursday to urge Gov. Scott Walker (R) to reconsider his rejection of an off-reservation casino. The Bureau of Indian Affairs approved the $800 million casino in Kenosha under the two-part determination provisions of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The law gave Walker veto authority over the project but the tribe and its supporters believe he made the wrong call. “We are not going to give up on this project because it is so right,” Vice Chair Crystal Chapman-Chevalier said at the rally, The Kenosha News reported. “That’s why we are all here today, because the wrong decision was made.” Chapman-Chevalier said the tribe was considering its legal options following Walker's rejection last week. Nothing in IGRA or any other federal law would prevent the resubmission of the proposal to the BIA. A lawsuit, however, will likely not lead to success. In 2004, the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals rejected a challenge to the two-part determination provisions of IGRA after three Wisconsin tribes were rebuffed by then-governor Scott McCallum (R). The text of IGRA specifically vests veto authority with the "Governor of the state" and the BIA's Section 20 regulations reiterate that the governor's approval is required. Get the Story:
Not taking “no” for an answer: Tribal leaders join legislators in urging Walker to reconsider casino decision (WITI 1/29)
Push Underway for 2nd Chance for Casino Project (WBAY 1/29)
Lawmakers, Menominee to Walker: Reconsider casino decision (Fox 11 News 1/29)
Menominee Tribe ‘exploring options’ on Kenosha casino (Wisconsin Radio Network 1/29)
Kenosha casino supporters ask Walker to reconsider (WISN 1/29)
Legislators, Menominee tribe both urge Gov. Walker to rethink Kenosha casino (WTAQ 1/29)
Lawmakers gather at capitol to petition Kenosha Casino decision (WKOW 1/29)
Tribal members, union workers, bipartisan lawmakers urge Walker to reconsider casino decision (AP 1/29)
Supporters call on Governor Walker to green light Kenosha casino (WFXS 1/29)
Casino supporters won’t accept ‘no’ (The Kenosha News 1/30)
Tribe, lawmakers pressure Walker to change mind on casino (The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 1/30) Bureau of Indian Affairs Documents:
Press Release | Fact Sheet: Menominee Nation Decision | Section 20 Determination: Menominee Nation Off-Reservation Casino
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