KENOSHA – WISN 12 reports that a new compact with the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin has been reached. The compact carries the signature of tribal leaders, as well as Gov. Walker.
An understanding in the compact was reached in which that the Menominee Tribe would pay the state 7.5 percent of its net winnings from a Kenosha facility, according to a memo to the assistant secretary of the interior for Indian affairs.
Walker said, “The State of Wisconsin recently negotiated a compact amendment with the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin in an effort to help define the potential economic and fiscal impact of the proposed Kenosha Casino.”
WISN 12 News first reported the news Monday that a tribal spokesperson told Kent Wainscott that an agreement had been reached in principle and that signatures were being gathered. The compact also states that the tribe would make up any budget shortfall caused by a reduction in payments from compacts with the Forest County Potawatomi.
The Potawatomi tribe issued a statement, saying, “It’s clear that this compact amendment does not remove the risk that a Kenosha casino could put a substantial hole in Wisconsin’s budget.”
The Menominee believe the compact provides a clear path for the governor to approve the casino. The amended compact now heads to the Bureau of Indian Affairs for approval. The Potawatomi are preparing a lawsuit.
Walker has until Feb. 19 to approve or reject the casino.
