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Date: Mon, 7 Dec 1998 21:44:15 EST
Subject: Fwd: Tribal Compact Committee: Indian Compacts Will Create...
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Subject: Tribal Compact Committee: Indian Compacts Will Create...
Date: Mon, 7 Dec 1998 19:09:45 EST
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Tribal Compact Committee: Indian Compacts Will Create 3,400 New Jobs in
Michigan
LANSING, Mich., Dec. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- A tribal-state gaming compact will
ensure economic development, tribal self-sufficiency and employment in
Michigan. The compacts are expected to generate more than 3,400 jobs, $215
million in economic development and $400-500 million in revenues.
The Michigan House of Representatives is expected to consider a resolution
this week concurring a compact negotiated between Gov. John Engler and
leaders
of Michigan's four newly reaffirmed federal tribes. The agreement, required
by federal law, allows tribes to operate casinos on Indian land.
Under the agreement, the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, Little Traverse
Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, Little River Band of Ottawa Indians and the
Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi Indians will contribute approximately
$29 million a year to the state. Each tribe will be required to make
payments
to the Michigan Renaissance Fund in an amount equal to eight percent of net
revenues derived from slot machines at the casino. The Renaissance Fund
currently funds 10,000 scholarships for high tech training at Michigan
Community Colleges.
The four casinos will make an initial investment of over $215 million in
construction cost alone. This investment will support more than 2,500
construction jobs in out-state Michigan. The casinos will create 3,400 new
jobs supported by more than $400 million in new revenues.
The gaming compacts will help the tribes continue the path toward self-
sufficiency.
"We've seen in Michigan how tribal gaming has helped strengthen tribal
government and promote self-sufficiency," said Mike Wesaw, Treasurer of the
Pokagon Band. "Tribal gaming has enabled tribes to provide jobs, housing,
education, health care and, especially care for our elders. If not for the
perseverance of our elders, we wouldn't be where we are today."
"Concurrence of our compact provides the tribes the ability to pursue
economic
development opportunities," said Bob Guenthardt, Tribal Chairman of the
Little
River Band of Ottawa Indians. "Tribes began operating gaming establishments
for one reason, to generate revenues to help tribal members."
Tribal gaming is a $600 million industry in Michigan and growing annually.
More than five million visits are made annually to Michigan casinos.
Michigan Native American gaming operations today provide over 5,000 jobs in
perennially depressed northern Michigan -- nearly 36 percent to Native
Americans. The gaming establishments are also generating countless indirect
employment opportunities in nearby hotels, restaurants and other tourism-
related jobs. In several counties, including Baraga, Isabella, Leelanau and
Chippewa, Native American gaming enterprises are the largest private sector
employer in the county.
According to a study, 34 percent of those working in Native American gaming
enterprises were on welfare or other government assistance programs prior to
getting their jobs; 38 percent were unemployed; and another 17 percent were
part-time workers who are now working full time.
SOURCE Tribal Compact Committee
CO: Tribal Compact Committee
ST: Michigan
IN: CNO
SU:
12/07/98 19:08 EST http://www.prnewswire.com
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