Potawatomi statement in response to State Supreme Court decision in the Dairyland case
Statement from Jeff Crawford, Forest County Potawatomi Community attorney general, in response to the Wisconsin Supreme Court’s decision in the Dairyland Greyhound Park vs. James E. Doyle Lawsuit. "Today’s comprehensive and thoughtful State Supreme Court decision is a victory for the 35,000 Wisconsin residents whose jobs depend on Indian gaming. "It is also good news for state taxpayers since Wisconsin receives more revenue from Indian gaming than 46 other states. The Potawatomi alone have shared over $100 million since 2003 with the state. That is more than any business has paid the state in corporate taxes over that same time period. "The Court’s judicial decision to affirm the right for Wisconsin Tribes to offer additional games is in agreement with the public’s long held opinion that a card game is a card game. Additionally, Wisconsin tourism, state revenues and Wisconsin jobs depend on the Tribes’ ability to offer additional games. "The decision to reject the Kenosha dog track’s claims by a 7-0 vote also means that the Potawatomi plans to invest $240 million in Milwaukee and to add 1,000 permanent jobs can now move forward. We anticipate this investment will generate 500 construction jobs and lead to increased Milwaukee and state revenues. "Indian tribes have become the largest single employer in 10 of Wisconsin’s 72 counties and the second largest employer in three counties. Citizens of Wisconsin thank the Supreme Court today for unanimously rejecting the out-of-state interests who brought the Dairyland lawsuit in attempt to destroy Wisconsin family supporting jobs." |
