The Menominee Nation is preparing for a 156-mile march to rally support for its off-reservation casino in Wisconsin.
A send-off will be held at 8am tomorrow morning at the tribal headquarters in Keshena. Supporters will march to the College of the Menominee Nation and the rest of the group will go all the way to the State Capitol in Madison in hopes of convincing Gov. Scott Walker (R) to approve the $800 million casino in Kenosha.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs
approved the casino under the two-part determination provisions of the Indian
Gaming Regulatory Act. Walker exercised his authority under the law to veto
the project on January
23, when he said it posed an economic risk to the state.
The tribe has disputed the assertion and has offered to cover any potential losses to the state. The tribe also offered $220 million for a new arena in Milwaukee but Walker's administration has rejected the proposal.
Walker himself has repeatedly said he will not reconsider his decision.
The final deadline to respond to the BIA is February 19.
Get the Story:
A long journey on foot: Members of Menominee Tribe to march to Madison in support of casino proposal
(WITI 1/12)
Some Opinions:
Steve Lund: To be or not to be presidential
(The Kenosha News 2/12)
Bruce Murphy: How Could Walker Refuse Incredible Deal?
(Urban MIlwaukee 2/12)
Bureau of Indian Affairs Documents:
Press
Release | Fact
Sheet: Menominee Nation Decision | Section
20 Determination: Menominee Nation Off-Reservation Casino
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Menominee Nation to march 156 miles to
rally support for casino (2/11)