Menominee Tribe Says Court Decision Underscores Importance of Proposed Kenosha Entertainment Center and Casino to Wisconsin

Karen Washinawatok, Interim Chairperson of the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, today released the following statement regarding the Wisconsin Supreme Court decision about the legality of Indian gaming in the state:


 


            “Today’s Supreme Court ruling allows our Kenosha project to continue to move forward and permits a beneficial industry to continue to positively impact Wisconsin. 


 


            “Our Kenosha casino means good jobs and significant economic benefits for Southeastern Wisconsin and the state, and economic analyses commissioned by both our Tribe and the Forest County Potawatomi confirm the impacts will be even greater combined with an expanded Potawatomi casino in Milwaukee.   These new opportunities made possible by our Kenosha proposal show that Indian gaming can continue, under today’s decision, to do very good things for Wisconsin. 


 


            “We are also pleased by the Court’s decision regarding Panzer v. Doyle and will look to see how that decision would possibly improve our plans for Kenosha.  The ruling seems to allow the full scope of games negotiated in the 2003 tribal-state compacts.  This could mean more jobs, more money to local and state governments and more opportunities in Kenosha.  We will, of course, need to carefully review the ruling and talk with the City of Kenosha and Kenosha County before making a decision.


 


“Overall, the Court ruling paves the way for exciting possibilities for our tribes, for our communities and for Wisconsin.  For the Menominee, having this matter resolved means we can devote full attention to operating our existing casino and working to make our plans for Dairyland Greyhound Park – and the jobs and economic promise they offer for Kenosha, Southeast Wisconsin and the entire state – a reality.”