http://www.nomorecasinos.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=691&mname=ArticleGroup Press Releases en-us 60 RIGHT Act is the Right Move as Wisconsin Struggles to Limit Off-Reservation Gaming   (July 27, 2006—Madison, WI)— Yesterday, with an overwhelming 27-9 vote the House Committee on Resources advanced greater controls on the expansion of off-reservation gaming with the passage of the Restricting Indian Gaming to Homelands of Tribes (RIGHT) Act.    “Reservation shopping, has become the tool for massive expansion of tribal gaming with no less than nine off-reservation proposals in our state alone,” said Brian J. Nemoir, Executive Director of Enough!.  “Enough! is pleased with the committee passage of the RIGHT Act, and believes while this key piece of legislation advances at the federal level it provides a critical call-to-action for both local and state officials .”    The RIGHT Act, authored by Chairman Richard Pombo (R-California) and Rep. Nick Rahall (D-W.V.), closes the loophole allowed within Section 20 of The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) providing tribes the opportunity to locate casinos on non-reservation trust lands, a practice commonly referred to as “reservation shopping.”  The RIGHT Act has five key components:   §         Re-writes Section 20 of IGRA, prohibiting tribes to place in trust any additional lands that aren’t contiguous to its reservation.  Currently, tribes place desirable land in trust, without consideration of any relationship to the reservation.  Trust lands can then be used to locate off-reservation casinos, pending a federal and state approval process. §         Provides local communities a seat at the table during the compact negotiation process.  In Wisconsin, the governor and the tribes negotiate compacts and local communities are shut out of the process. §         The Secretary of Interior must certify that a facility would not be detrimental to the surrounding community or nearby Indian tribes and be in the best interest of the surrounding community. Once the Secretary of the Interior Certifies: o       The Governor of the State must concur with the Secretary's findings. o       The State legislature must concur with the Secretary's findings. o       Nearby Indian tribes must concur with the Secretary's findings. §         Prohibit attempts to establish off-reservation casinos outside of the state were the tribe presently resides.  Such practices are becoming more common, with the affluent and politically connected Connecticut-based Mohegan Tribe partnering with the state-based Menominee Tribe in a much publicized effort to located an off-reservation casino in Kenosha.    §         Provides tribes the opportunity to create “Indian Gaming Zones” where a tribe can host a gaming facility for another tribe on already existing reservation land allowing gaming. Such co-location would be subject to state approval.   “With a Governor all too quick to accept the millions of dollars in campaign contributions from various tribes, while at the same time vetoing a bi-partisan bill allowing legislative oversight of off-reservation casinos, their exists a critical need for the RIGHT Act,” said Nemoir.  “The RIGHT Act provides checks-and-balances by inserting both the community and legislature into the tribal gaming approval process, while closing the unintended and abused off-reservation approval process.”   Earlier this summer, Governor Doyle vetoed legislation overwhelmingly passed by both houses proving a common sense system of checks-and-balances by allowing legislative approval of Bureau of Indian Affairs-approved off-reservation requests.  In vetoing legislative approval, Doyle has kept in place an approval process allowing him sole approval of off-reservation applications.  Doyle, has harvested and/or been the benefactor of over $1 million in tribal gaming related contributions over the past four years.  It was recently reported that Doyle attended a campaign fundraiser in Kenosha hosted by interests desiring an off-reservation casino in the area in which he reaped $171,000.  Of the 28 attendees, ten contributed the maximum of $10,000 to Doyle’s reelection effort.  In fact of Doyle’s contributors, the Troha family which is partnering with the two tribes looking to operate off-reservation Kenosha casino, is the single largest contributor to the Doyle’s reelection having committed $237,000 since 2002.  Kenosha off-reservation gaming interests have contributed nearly $500,000 to Governor Doyle’s re-election effort since 2002.   “Committee passage of the RIGHT Act is encouraging step in the right direction, and hopefully will lead to a full vote in the house in the not-so-distant future,” said Nemoir. Fri, 28 Jul 2006 09:51:00 CST http://www.nomorecasinos.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=9901&mname=Article http://www.nomorecasinos.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=9901&mname=Article MADISON, Wis., May 23  -- "Today, Governor Doyle will receive AB 461 which grants the legislature an up or down vote on concurrence of off- reservation casino proposal, and there are no shortage of reasons for him to support this common-sense piece of legislation," said Brian J. Nemoir, Executive Director of Enough!. In an effort to help Governor Doyle make the right choice in signing AB 461, Enough! has produced a list of reasons for support: Common Sense First, not Casino Interests: AB 461 puts common sense before off-reservation casino interests. Casino interests have funneled over $1 million dollars into efforts designed to elect/re-elect Governor Doyle. The system of approving off-reservation requests leaves the decision of granting approval in the hands of one person, the Governor. A system allowing single-entity approval of off-reservation requests, raises ethical questions and may present opportunity for abuse. Consistency Counts: As Attorney General, Jim Doyle opposed the expansion of off-reservation gaming, going so far as to send a letter to Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) registering his opposition. His concerns regarding off-reservation casino expansion continued prior to and once elected Governor. In a December 2002 interview, he stated: It seemed to me that the question of off-reservation gambling in particular is one that the state Legislature should decide, because that's really a large policy decision for the state ... And I thought that that's the area in particular where the Legislature, as the elected representatives of the people, ought to have some say. --Governor-elect Jim Doyle, WisPolitics.com (12/30/2002) Enough! hopes Governor Doyle, who has in the past not only opposed the expansion of off-reservation gaming but also supported legislative oversight, reaffirms his record as AG and the commitment he made as a candidate for governor in 2002. 2004 Case Re-Affirms Legislature's Roll in Concurrence: Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin v. United States, 367 F. 3d 650, 665 (7th Cir. 2004), reaffirmed the Legislature's ability to play a role. The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals held: Additionally, the Governor of Wisconsin's power to respond to the Secretary of the Interior's request for concurrence is not without a check in the Wisconsin Legislature. Indeed, on two occasions, the Wisconsin Legislature has attempted to curtail the Governor's power to concur. See 1999 Wis. Act 9, Sec. 7(q), and 2003 Assembly Bill 144. Although the Legislature did not override the Governor's veto of either bill, the Wisconsin Constitution provides a mechanism for the Legislature to do so. See Wis. Const. Art. 5 Sec. 10(2)(a). Wisconsin Attorney General Peg Lautenschlager, in her brief on behalf of Governor Jim Doyle, argued in support of the Court's finding, "Of course, a governor's power remains fully subject to state law, including limits imposed by the state legislature: if a legislature desires to place strictures on the governor's communications with the Secretary, it is free to do so within the limits of applicable state law." Doyle Cuts Public Out of Approval Process of Five New Casinos: The amendments to the gaming compacts negotiated and signed by Governor Doyle, have enabled an exponential growth of gambling in the state. For example, buried within the Ho-Chunk Nation's latest compact is a little-known provision allowing five of the six new gaming facilities to be built without any public approval. The 2003 compact with the Ho-Chunk Nation allows them to build six new casinos in the following counties: Dane, Sauk, two in Jackson, Wood and Shawano. The only limitation to five of the six new casinos is that 50% of the lot need be used "for purposes other than gaming." Five of the six new casinos would require no local approval or input. Governor Doyle's signature upon AB461 would re-insert the public in the approval process through their representative in the legislature. Checks-and-Balance Approach used by other States: There are currently six other states that utilize a system of checks-and- balances versus a single decision maker approval of off-reservation approvals. Kansas, Minnesota, Connecticut, Idaho, New Mexico and Colorado all employ multi-body decision making process. While the Governor has stated otherwise, legislative oversight falls within the process of off-reservation approval outlined by BIA, implementation of similar provisions by other states and a May 12th memo by the non-partisan Legislative Council reaffirm this position. Three out of four Wisconsinites and a bi-partisan legislative believe oversight necessary: In two separate polls commissioned by Enough!, the public overwhelmingly felt that legislative oversight was in the best interest of the state. In an early June 2005 poll, 70% of the respondents thought legislative oversight was a good idea. In another poll conducted later in the month, and released publicly on June 22, 76% approved of legislative oversight. Having heard a strong message from constituents, the legislature's support of AB461 was solid, with the bill receiving bipartisan passage in both houses. The Assembly passed the bill 58-37, and the bi-partisan support in the Senate also sent a clear and strong message of support, passing 21-10. When is Enough, Enough!: According to the aforementioned June 2005 poll, 74% of the respondents believed we already have enough casinos in the state, and with 18 different gaming facilities in the state offering nearly 17,000 slot machines and almost 300 Las Vegas-style table games presenting plenty of opportunities for both those that enjoy gaming and the tribes. There are no shortage of gaming opportunities in the state. Oversight, Not-Compact Negotiations: AB 461 does not allow the legislature to negotiate compacts with tribes, but only provides an up or down vote on off-reservation requests. Not unlike any piece of legislation, legislative and executive approval would be necessary for it to become a reality. Legislative oversight does not "kill" off-reservation proposals, it only inserts a common sense system of checks- and-balances. "Governor Doyle would be well-served by remaining consistent in his support of legislative oversight by signing AB 461. There is a need for a system of checks-and-balances as well as the overwhelming desire that the residents of our state have for legislative oversight," said Nemoir. "By vetoing AB 461 Governor Doyle would be changing his position while defeating sound public policy, providing a coveted win for gaming special interests looking to determine the future of off-reservation expansion in our state." Enough! is a growing and diverse grassroots coalition opposed to the expansion of off-reservation gambling in Wisconsin. For more information please contact Brian J. Nemoir, Executive Director at 608.268.6777 or visit: http://www.enoughwi.com Wed, 24 May 2006 09:36:31 CST http://www.nomorecasinos.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=9897&mname=Article http://www.nomorecasinos.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=9897&mname=Article Beginning Tomorrow Excuses End, Real Questions Begin   (May 22, 2006—Madison, WI)—The latest in a long line of excuses being used by Governor Jim Doyle’s spokesperson as to why the Governor is going to veto Assembly Bill 461 is that it “violates federal law[i].”  A puzzling position for an individual who as the state’s top attorney for 12 years was a strong advocate for legislative oversight.    Tomorrow, AB 461, which provides legislative oversight of off-reservation casinos, will arrive on Governor Doyle’s desk for consideration.   When the spokesperson for the previously supportive-Doyle was asked about the change of position on the issue of legislative oversight of off-reservation gaming, the provided response was that the Governor, “has looked at this issue more carefully since becoming governor.[ii]”   Is it correct to assume then that when Jim Doyle testified before the United States Senate in 1996[iii] as Wisconsin’s Attorney General regarding a US Supreme Court decision that affected the process by which states enter into compacts with tribes, he didn’t look at this issue carefully? Later that same year and still speaking to the very same US Supreme Court decision, then Attorney General Doyle said “Members of the Wisconsin Legislature, as representatives of citizens, should reclaim the power to ratify or negotiate gaming compacts.”[iv]    “It is incredible to believe that then Attorney General Doyle testified before Congress on behalf of the people of Wisconsin without ‘carefully considering’ his testimony,”  said Brian J. Nemoir, Executive Director of Enough!  “Did the nearly $1million in tribal money as well as a fact-finding mission at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut—the tribe partnering with the Menominee Tribe on the Kenosha Casino—help clarify this issue for him.”   The Fact Is:   Assembly Bill 461 does not violate federal law by giving the Legislature a role .   In fact, a recent court case, Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin v. United States, 367 F. 3d 650, 665 (7th Cir. 2004), validated that the Legislature can have a role.  The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals held:         Additionally, the Governor of Wisconsin’s power to respond to the Secretary of the Interior’s request for concurrence is not without a check in the Wisconsin Legislature.  Indeed, on two occasions, the Wisconsin Legislature has attempted to curtail the Governor’s power to concur.  See1999 Wis. Act 9, § 7(q), and 2003 Assembly Bill 144.  Although the Legislature did not override the Governor’s veto of either bill, the Wisconsin Constitution provides a mechanism for the Legislature to do so. SeeWis. Const. Art. 5 § 10(2)(a).     Wisconsin Attorney General Peg Lautenschlager, in her brief on behalf of Governor Jim Doyle, argued in support of the Court’s finding,  “Of course, a governor’s power remains fully subject to state law, including limits imposed by the state legislature: if a legislature desires to place strictures on the governor’s communications with the Secretary, it is free to do so within the limits of applicable state law.”   The State submits that Congress’ selection of governors as the representatives of the states for purposes of ascertaining whether the state concurs is an eminently practical recognition of the unwieldiness of requiring approval by a state legislature.  Some legislatures are not even in session every year, which would cause substantial delay in the approval process.  Of course, a governor’s power remains fully subject to state law, including limits imposed by the state legislature: if a legislature desires to place strictures on the governor’s communications with the Secretary, it is free to do so within the limits of applicable state law.   Intervenening Defendant's Brief at 4, fn. 3.   Even as recent as last week the non-partisan Wisconsin Legislative Council reviewed AB 461 and concluded that it would be in compliance with federal law.[1]   Governor Doyle, Enough! with the excuses.  Either you remain consistent with your long established position of being for Legislative oversight of off-reservation casinos or you admit by vetoing the bill that your position has been changed, not for any legal or policy reasons, but because of undue influence.   ·        AB 461 does not violate federal law ·        AB 461 does not interject 132 lawmakers into the negotiation process, even though you previously advocated for that ·        AB 461 gives the people of the state of Wisconsin a voice in the enormous statewide policy decision of whether or not there should be off-reservation gaming in Wisconsin.   Governor Doyle, do the right thing and sign Assembly Bill 461 into law.   Enough! is a growing and diverse grassroots coalition opposed to the expansion of off-reservation gambling in Wisconsin.  For more information please contact Brian J. Nemoir, Executive Director at 608.268.6777 or visit: www.enoughwi.com -30- [1] State Senator Dave Zien/Assembly Speaker John Gard press release 5/18/06 [i] Governor Jim Doyle’s spokesperson Dan Leitskow; Wispolitics.com Thursday, May 18th p.m. update e-mail. [ii] Governor Jim Doyle’s spokesperson Dan Leitskow; Wispolitics.com Thursday, May 18th p.m. update e-mail. [iii] Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 5/9/1996 [iv] Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 12/17/1996 Mon, 22 May 2006 15:35:21 CST http://www.nomorecasinos.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=9896&mname=Article http://www.nomorecasinos.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=9896&mname=Article 2003 Compact Anoints Tribe as State's Body of Refusal or Approval MADISON, Wis., May 18 /PRNewswire/ -- "Governor Doyle still believes oversight of off-reservation casinos makes sense, as long it's the Ho-Chunk Nation and not the legislature doing the overseeing," said Brian J. Nemoir, Executive Director of Enough!, a grass-roots coalition apposed to the expansion of off-reservation gaming. In a little know provision of the 2003 amendment to the Ho-Chunk Nation's (Ho-Chunk) gaming compact, the tribe would have the right of final refusal on any Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)-approved off-reservation casino. The Ho- Chunk's sweetheart deal works as follows; once the Governor has received a BIA-approved off-reservation determination from any tribe other than the Ho- Chunk, the state would notify the Ho-Chunk in writing within sixty days. Within sixty days of the receipt of the notice, if the Ho-Chunk determines and notifies the state that such an expansion would substantially decrease gaming revenues, "the Governor of the State shall not concur." (Please see end of release for cite and full text.) "The Ho-Chunk has bought the keys to the state's gaming kingdom in return for their $500,000 contribution to Governor Doyle's campaign," said Nemoir. "The $500,000 in campaign cash has paid repeated dividends for the tribe who through their 2003 Doyle-negotiated compact amendment will soon operate more gaming facilities than any other tribe, and have the unique ability to stop other tribe's off-reservation expansion in the state." "Governor Doyle has chosen the Ho-Chunk Nation to be the state's 800-lb gaming gorilla, allowing them to rove the state and build five new facilities, bullying the other tribes while becoming the king of gaming in the state." The 2003 amendment to the Ho-Chunk compact permits six new casinos in the five specified counties (Dane, Sauk, Wood, Jackson(2) and Shawano Counties) five of which would require nothing more than Governor Doyle's signature. The Doyle-approved compact also provides a generous and little-known loophole allowing five of the six new casinos to be built without any sort of local approval or input. The same compact also allows the five new gaming facilities to provide unlimited gaming as long as 50% of the property is used for purposes other than gaming. "The state's reward for the Governor's signing such a generous compact with the Ho-Chunk is having the tribe default on the $100 million it owes the state in back payments," said Nemoir. "The state has opened the equivalent of an interest-free house account for the tribe, allowing the Ho-Chunk to make payments on a debt whenever convenient while expanding their gaming operations at will." Last week, Ho-Chunk made a $30 million dollar payment towards the $100 million it owes the state. The announcement was made two days prior to the tribe announcing it would be locating its next gaming facility in Shawano, on an "ancillary site" not requiring any local or state approval. "We are coming upon the golden age of gaming expansion in this state without legislative oversight," said Nemoir. "It is obvious that the governor won't say no to tribal gaming interests, and believes our interests are best- served by giving tribal gaming interests the ability to write the rules governing gaming." To help provide oversight of the reckless expansion of gaming engineered by Governor Doyle, Enough! supports legislative oversight of off-reservation casinos (AB 461). AB 461 passed both the Assembly and the Senate with bi- partisan support. Prior to taking office, and receiving over $1 million in tribal campaign contributions, Governor Doyle was an advocate of legislative oversight. Paragraph 9 of the Amendment shall be modified by deleting it in its entirety and substituting in its place the following paragraph: If any Indian tribe ("tribe") other than the Nation, submits an application to the Secretary of the Interior ("Secretary"), under 25 U.S.C S2719(b)(1)(a), and receives a determination ("Determination") that the proposed gaming establishment ("Establishment") on off-reservation trust lands acquired by the United States for the tribe after January 1, 2003, is in the best interest of that tribe and its members and is not detrimental to the surrounding community, the State shall send a written notice ("Notice") to the Nation that it has received a submission from the Secretary to concur in the Determination. The Governor of the State SHALL NOT CONCUR in the determination if the Nation has notified ("notified") the State, within sixty (60) days of the receipt of Notice, that the operation of the Establishment will cause a substantial reduction ("Reduction") of Class III gaming revenues at any of the Nation's existing gaming facilities, unless the State has entered into a binding indemnification agreement with the Nation to compensate it for the Reduction, or the mandatory negotiations required herein have concluded and the binding arbitration procedures have commenced. Enough! is a growing and diverse grassroots coalition opposed to the expansion of off-reservation gambling in Wisconsin. For more information please contact Brian J. Nemoir, Executive Director at 608.268.6777 or visit: www.enoughwi.com Thu, 18 May 2006 22:21:59 CST http://www.nomorecasinos.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=9895&mname=Article http://www.nomorecasinos.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=9895&mname=Article MADISON, Wis., When over $150,000 in campaign contributions from gaming interests looking for Governor Doyle’s approval to located an off-reservation casino in Kenosha may not be enough, you do the next best thing, double-down and hire Governor Doyle’s former campaign manager,”  said Brian J. Nemoir, Executive Director of Enough!. Richard Judge, who until earlier this year was managing Governor Doyle’s re-election effort, was recently added as a lobbyist for Kenasha Gaming Development, LLC., the collective looking to advance the off-reservation Kenosha Casino.  As the Bureau of Indian Affairs assumedly nears a decision on the application for an off-reservation casino in Kenosha, key interests associated with the Kenosha off-reservation effort have contributed in excess of $150,000 to the Governor Doyle’s reelection efforts.  Prior to permitting an off-reservation casino in Kenosha, the request would require the Governor’s approval.  “Big dollar donations, coupled with adding someone who has a very tight relationship with Governor Doyle to the lobbying payroll, is a sure-bet to keep Kenosha gaming interests’ relationship with the Governor cozy.” Enough! is a growing and diverse grassroots coalition opposed to the expansion of off-reservation gambling in Wisconsin.  For more information please contact Brian J. Nemoir, Executive Director at 608.268.6777 or visit: www.enoughwi.com Thu, 18 May 2006 14:17:47 CST http://www.nomorecasinos.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=9894&mname=Article http://www.nomorecasinos.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=9894&mname=Article MADISON, Wis., "Ho-Chunk's $30 million dollar payment to the state has more to do with their desire to see legislative approval (AB 461) vetoed by Governor Doyle than it does with repaying a debt to the state," said Brian J. Nemoir, Executive Director of Enough! "The $30 million is a transparent attempt by the Ho-Chunk nation to purchase a veto, and make the first down payment on five new off-reservation casinos in the state." Buried within the 2003 Ho-Chunk compact, signed and negotiated by Governor Jim Doyle, is a prevision permitting the Ho-Chunk Nation five new casinos at convenience stores located in Sauk, Monroe, Shawno and Jackson Counties. Theses facilities would be considered "ancillary facilities" by compact language, and not subject to limits as to the number of Las Vegas-style games per facility. AB 461, which passed the senate with a bi-partisan vote of 21-10 last week and is on its way to Governor Doyle for consideration, would insert legislative review into the off-reservation approval process. Currently, off- reservation approval requires only the Governor's signature upon Bureau of Indian Affairs consent. "No other tribe will benefit through off-reservation expansion in terms of the number of gaming facilities like the Ho-Chunk will," said Nemoir. "The Ho-Chunk Nation which already operates three in-state gaming facilities, believes legislative approval is an unwanted roadblock and potential impediment in their desire to have five more casinos in this state." "The Ho-Chunk Nation owes the state more than $100 million dollars. It is no coincidence that they are making a partial payment as the Governor is considering vetoing the gaming oversight bill. Taxpayers won't be fooled by this blatant attempt to persuade the Governor." Enough! is a growing and diverse grassroots coalition opposed to the expansion of off-reservation gambling in Wisconsin. For more information please contact Brian J. Nemoir, Executive Director at 608.268.6777 or visit: www.enoughwi.com Thu, 18 May 2006 14:13:10 CST http://www.nomorecasinos.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=9893&mname=Article http://www.nomorecasinos.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=9893&mname=Article ( January 10, 2006— Madison, WI)  “If Governor Doyle is truly sincere about cleaning up politics, he should begin by supporting AB-461 and the system of checks and balances it provides for off-reservation approvals,” said Brian Nemoir, Executive Director of Enough! “Currently, the governor is the only individual in the state that has any say when it comes to off-reservation proposals. The current situation fails the common sense test and has been abused in order to create a million dollar windfall of campaign cash for the single individual charged with making the final decision.” Currently, only the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and the Governor have oversight of any off-reservation proposals. AB-461 would require legislative concurrence prior to the governor offering the final support or opposition to the federal government’s opinion. AB-461 is scheduled for a hearing in the Senate this coming Wednesday before the Committee on Judiciary, Corrections and Privacy. Last week Governor Doyle presented an ethical reform package in the wake of revelations that there are both federal and state investigations into his fundraising practices. A key component of the Governor’s package included a ban on fundraising during the budget process for legislators. “Banning fundraising by legislators during the budget, but not banning fundraising from interests associated with off-reservation proposals during the period of consideration is a stark example of ethical hypocrisy falling short of true reform,” said Nemoir. It has been reported that the Governor received considerable help from the tribes in 2002 while running for the office he now holds. Over $700,000 was contributed by some of the same tribes now looking to have their off-reservation proposals approved by the Governor. Tribal generosity has continued, with the Governor already collecting $150,000 during the past year from interests associated with the plan to turn the Kenosha dog track into an off-reservations casino. “The Governor’s support of legislative oversight of off-reservation proposals (AB-461) would help provide the needed guarantee that the interests of the residents of this state and not only the well-oiled special interests of the tribe are at the forefront of these key policy decisions.” AB-461 was approved by the Assembly this past September with bi-partisan support. Enough! has communicated with its supporters encouraging them to contact members of the Senate and the Governor asking for action on the bill as well as support. As Attorney general and through his election as Governor, Governor Doyle has made strong comments in support of legislative review of off-reservation proposals during an interview with the popular political website, Wispoltics.com, in December of 2002 shortly after his election. It seemed to me that the question of off-reservation gambling in particular is one that the state Legislature should decide, because that's really a large policy decision for the state… And I thought that that's the area in particular where the Legislature, as the elected representatives of the people, ought to have some say. --Governor-elect Jim Doyle, WisPolitics.com ( 12/30/2002) Comments coming from the Governor’s office after the Assembly approved AB-461 indicate a sharp departure from earlier positions and a possible veto, with a key Doyle aide stating, “The federal government gives the governor this authority, it just doesn’t make sense to have 132 people out there negotiating.” AB-461 would not allow the legislature to negotiate compacts as some would fear, but rather allow the legislators from the host community of the proposed off-reservation casino, as well as those legislators from every corner of this state impacted by the proposal to take into consideration what the Governor has called a, “…really a large policy decision for the state.” In response to the various complex and far-reaching issues associated with off-reservation gaming, and to prevent the appearance of any undue influence on a single decision maker, many states have an expanded review processes engaging either the legislature or a commission. Currently, there are five states ( Colorado, Minnesota, Kansas, Idaho and Connecticut) that employ either legislative review or a commission review of off-reservation proposals. “Legislative review has been recognized as a common sense point of review approach by other states,” said Nemoir. “Governor Doyle would be well-served by supporting legislative review, which would truly force off-reservation proposals to stand on their merits and help ease fears of undue political influence.” Enough! is a growing and diverse grassroots coalition opposed to the expansion of off-reservation gambling in Wisconsin.  For more information please contact Brian J. Nemoir, Executive Director at 608.268.6777 or visit: www.enoughwi.com Thu, 18 May 2006 14:11:59 CST http://www.nomorecasinos.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=9892&mname=Article http://www.nomorecasinos.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=9892&mname=Article ( June 22, 2005— Madison, WI) In a statewide poll commissioned by Enough!, a growing grassroots coalition opposed to the expansion of off-reservation gaming in Wisconsin, 76% of the 405 residents questioned want legislative approval of proposed off-reservation casinos. “When it comes to off-reservation gaming, it is evident that the public wants their legislator involved,” said Brian Nemoir, Executive Director of Enough! “Legislative approval helps provide the assurances that the best interests of the state are the priority when considering off-reservation possibilities.” When asked the following, the corresponding responses were: Q9: The Wisconsin Legislature is considering a bill that would give lawmakers oversight on new off-reservation Indian casinos prior to the Governor granting final approval for the new off-reservation sites. Current law allows the Governor to approve new off-reservation Indian casinos without any oversight by the Legislature. Do you think the Legislature should have a role in the approval of new off-reservation Indian casinos? N = ............................................................................................................................. 405 100% Yes (Support legislative role) ............................................................................. ... 306 76% No (Do not support legislative role) ................................................................. ... 78 19% Don't know / Refused .......................................................................................... ... 21 5% “The public shares the belief that future decisions regarding the possible expansion of off-reservations gaming shouldn’t rest solely with local communities and the governor,” said Nemoir. “Legislative approval is a common-sense step when looking at off-reservation gaming.” In addition to the strong public support legislative approval received, conversely, off-reservation gaming expansion is very unpopular among the public(Q7). When asked which statement comes closest to your point of view, the responses were as follows: Indian gaming has been good for Wisconsin and if other communities want to open additional off reservation casinos, they should have the opportunity to share in the benefits .................... .. 28% Indian gaming has been good for Wisconsin but we already have enough casinos ......................................................................... .. 46% Indian gaming has been bad for Wisconsin and should not be allowed at all ............................................................................ .. 19% Other .......................................................................................... 1% “The public is comfortable with and recognizes that current gaming offerings deliver a certain benefit, although they believe off-reservation considerations cross the line,” said Nemoir. This past week, the Assembly Committee on State Affairs recommended adoption of AB-461, which would grant legislative approval of proposed off-reservation casinos. “There is strong public opposition to off-reservation gaming and call for legislative involvement, AB-461 will address the public’s desire for greater representative involvement,” said Nemoir. Currently, the Federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act outlines the process for off-reservation gaming approval. The tribe representing the desired off-reservation site petitions the US Secretary of Interior (secretary). The secretary makes a recommendation based on the “best interests of the Indian tribe” and “whether it would not be detrimental to the surrounding community.” Once the secretary makes its recommendation, the governor has the final opportunity to concur or disagree with the offered opinion. “While AB-461 doesn’t deliver a prohibition of off-reservation gaming, legislative approval is a common sense step in the right direction.” In comparison to a recently released March poll conducted by Enough!, public support of legislative approval has grown from the previous 70% to 76%, while the opposition to off-reservation gaming has held strong (63% in March to the current 65%, comparatively). The statistically representative statewide poll of 405 likely voters was initiated on June 20, 2005, and was finished on June 21, 2005 and is + 4.87% The poll was conducted Capitol Opinion Polling & Research at the request of Enough!. To review the poll in its entirety, please click here. Enough! is a growing and diverse grassroots coalition opposed to the expansion of off-reservation gambling in Wisconsin. For more information please contact Brian J. Nemoir, Executive Director at 608.268.6777 or visit: www.enoughwi.com Thu, 18 May 2006 14:07:36 CST http://www.nomorecasinos.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=9891&mname=Article http://www.nomorecasinos.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=9891&mname=Article (June 20, 2005—Madison, WI) Enough!, a growing grassroots coalition opposed to the expansion of off-reservation gaming in Wisconsin, applauds today’s action by the Assembly Committee on State Affairs in their advancing of AB-461, the bill granting legislative approval of off-reservation gaming proposals. “Committee Chair Rep. Jeff Fitzgerald (R-Juneau) and the other members of the Assembly State Affairs Committee should be commended for recognizing that off-reservation casinos are very different than on-reservation casinos.” said Brian J. Nemoir, Executive Director of Enough! “It makes sense for the legislature to review off-reservation proposals to better insure the interest of the entire state and not just those of an individual community are considered.” Currently, the Federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act outlines the process for off-reservation gaming approval. The tribe representing the desired off-reservation site petitions the US Secretary of Interior (secretary). The secretary makes a recommendation based on the “best interests of the Indian tribe” and “whether it would not be detrimental to the surrounding community.” Once the secretary makes its recommendation, the governor has the final opportunity to concur or disagree with the offered opinion. AB-461, which was recommended for adoption 5-2, would require legislative concurrence prior to the governor offering the final support or opposition to the federal government. Earlier today, Enough! publicly released a statewide poll of 603 residents, in which 70% of those questioned felt the legislature should be allowed to have final approval of off-reservation casinos. In addition, the poll demonstrated strong public opposition to off-reservation gaming, with 63% of the respondent opposed. “The decisive committee action, and the 70% support among the public for legislative approval demonstrates a growing pubic desire for legislative oversight of new off-reservation casinos,” said Nemoir. Enough! is a growing and diverse grassroots coalition opposed to the expansion of off-reservation gambling in Wisconsin. For more information please contact Brian J. Nemoir, Executive Director at 608.268.6777 or visit: www.enoughwi.com Thu, 18 May 2006 10:36:34 CST http://www.nomorecasinos.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=9890&mname=Article http://www.nomorecasinos.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=9890&mname=Article