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Ho-Chunk Nation to Miss Casino Payment

WISCONSIN – As reported by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: "The Ho-Chunk Nation said Tuesday that it would not make its casino payment to the state Wednesday because of a recent state Supreme Court ruling, leaving the state at least $30 million short of what it hoped to collect from 11 tribes.

"Still unknown is whether the Forest County Potawatomi will pay $40.5 million today. The tribe has said it hopes to make the payment but has had trouble securing a loan for it because of the court ruling.

"The split court ruled last month that Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle did not have the authority to sign a compact with the Potawatomi that had no expiration date and allowed the tribes to offer new games, such as poker and craps. Doyle signed similar agreements with nine other tribes that have now been drawn into constitutional question as well.

"More than $100 million is due today under the terms of those compacts and one signed by Tommy G. Thompson when he was governor.

"…Rebecca Weise, attorney general for the Ho-Chunk, said the tribe would not pay until the state and tribe reach a new deal.

"…At midnight, the Ho-Chunk Nation will stop offering poker, craps and roulette at its three casinos, she said. The tribe will be able to avoid layoffs by moving workers to new jobs, she said…"

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