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NY Senator Wants Stop to Casino Negotiations

NEW YORK – As reported by the Suffolk Life: "In light of a recent ruling by Federal Court Judge Thomas C. Platt, in which he called the Shinnecock Indian Nation a tribe, US Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) sent a letter to the governor, Senate majority leader and speaker of the Assembly last Friday, asking that the state Legislature refrain from all negotiations with the Shinnecock regarding the construction of a casino.

"'I write to urge you to jointly declare that New York State and the New York State Legislature will not negotiate, nor pass, a compact with the Shinnecock Indian Nation to build a gaming facility on the East End of Long Island,' Schumer wrote.

" …'Jointly declaring now that, regardless of the outcome of other legal and regulatory processes, no compact will be negotiated with the Shinnecock Nation for a casino on Long Island will slam the door shut once and for all on this matter,' Schumer wrote. 'That action would provide much-needed peace of mind to Suffolk County residents and the many thousands of visitors who enjoy the multiple beauties of this part of our state.'

"…In light of the confusion that resulted from Platt's ruling regarding whether or not the Shinnecocks were federally recognized, Schumer addressed a letter to the Bureau of Indian Affairs a few days prior to issuing his letter to state officials. In his letter, addressed to BIA Secretary Gail Norton, Schumer requested that the BIA 'complete the adjudication of the Shinnecock Indian Nation's application for federal tribal recognition.'…"

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