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APRIL 27, 2001

Communities in southeastern Connecticut met with the co-chairman of the legislature's Appropriations Committee in hopes of convincing him they deserve more money from two tribal casinos.

Rep. William Dyson, D-New Haven, told them that granting their wish is possible but not to bet the bank on it. He has previously questioned increasing so-called "impact aid" to communities and other funding proposal affecting tribes.

The state doles out money it collects from tribal slot machine proceeds to various communities. The formula is complex and includes need, which has left towns nearest the casinos with less money than others further away.

The communities have been hoping they can get a share of $30 million yearly that the expansion of casinos owned by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and the Mohegan Sun are expected to bring. Dyson has earlier said the money has already been spoken for, however.

Get the Story:
Local officials told not to get hopes up on casino impact aid (The New London Day 4/27)
Legislative leader offers hope for casino-impact aid (The Norwich Bulletin 4/27)

Related Stories:
Group wants more casino aid (4/25)
Indian budget proposals questioned (4/17)
Request for tribal funds questioned (2/16)