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Wisconsin Lawmakers Want Voice in Casino Compacts

WISCONSIN – As reported by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: "Emboldened by a state Supreme Court ruling that sent Gov. Jim Doyle back to the bargaining table on Indian gaming compacts, Republicans today will force votes in the Assembly and Senate on whether the Legislature should have the final say on such deals.

"The court last week declared that Doyle had overstepped his bounds when striking a deal with the Forest County Potawatomi, which run the state's most profitable casino in Milwaukee and another in Forest County.

"'The decision last week dramatically changes the landscape,' said Assembly Speaker John Gard (R-Peshtigo). 'I respect (Doyle's) role as lead negotiator . . . but when you look at the depth of some of the issues we're dealing with, there need to be some more people involved.'

"…The lawsuit was brought by Gard and Senate Majority Leader Mary Panzer (R-West Bend), who say lawmakers want to act quickly before Doyle agrees to new gaming deals without legislative approval.

"This will be the third time since last year that lawmakers have tried to require legislative approval of gaming compacts. Under Wisconsin law, the governor now has the right to sign such deals with the input of lawmakers…"

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