On Again, Off Again Casino Legislation Is Back On Again

The on again, off again legislation to authorize the opening of two new casinos, in Port Huron and Romulus, Michigan, in accordance with a compact entered into by former Michigan Governor John Engler, is apparently back on again.

The bill still awaits action on the entire House floor.

Port Huron and Romulus Indian Casino Legislation Is Off Again

The on-again, off-again legislation to give federal approval to a land swap negotiated in 2002 by then-Governor John Engler is apparently off again. Detroit Rep. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick, mother of Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, put the kibosh on the legislation.

Expect this legislation to be revisited, as two sponsors, Rep. John Dingell, and Rep. Bart Stupak, support the legislation. Rep. Dingell's support is critical, as he is the senior member of the Michigan congressional delegation, and has significant allies in Congress.

Two Bills In Congress Would Authorize New Indian Casinos In Port Huron and Romulus

The Natural Resources Committee will be holding hearings next week on two separate pieces of legislation that would give federal approval to the agreement signed by then-outgoing Governor John Engler and two Michigan Indian tribes in 2002. The legislation would authorize the opening of Indian-run casinos in Port Huron and Romulus.

The Port Huron casino would be owned by the Bay Mills Indian Community, which currently operates a casino in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

The Romulus casino would be owned by the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa, which currently operates the Greektown Casino in Detroit, as well as the Kewadin casinos in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.