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Connecticut Calls for Reforms Related to Tribal Casinos20 December 2001CONNECTICUT –– As reported by the Hartford (Connecticut) Courant: "In a sure sign that Indian gambling will be a hot political issue next year, two of the state's top elected leaders called for new reforms Wednesday, including more assistance for towns affected by casinos. "State Senate Majority Leader and gubernatorial candidate George C. Jepsen said that Connecticut, home of two of the country's most profitable casinos, lacks any gambling or casino policy at all. Meanwhile, in Washington, U.S. Rep. Rob Simmons, R-2nd District, said federal policy regarding recognizing new tribes `is clearly broke' and introduced legislation that he said reforms it. "Jepsen, D-Stamford, hammered Gov. John G. Rowland for remaining `on the sidelines' as Connecticut has emerged at the center of a national debate over federal recognition of Indian tribes. "…Among other things, Jepsen called for Rowland to oppose a casino in Bridgeport; to increase funding for the attorney general's office, which is challenging the recognition of several tribes; to provide more money for towns affected by casino development; and to require tribes to abide by environmental and workplace regulations. "…[Legislation that Simmons] introduced in Congress Wednesday would make modest changes in this process, among them providing more money for the Bureau of Indian Affairs and for towns affected by `tribal activities' such as casinos…" |