Michigan Senate Overturns Resolution Relating to
the Gun Lake Indian Gaming Compact

On Wednesday, December 8, 2004, the Michigan State Senate reversed itself with regard to a Resolution calling for the approval of a casino compact with the Gun Lake Band of Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Pottawatomi Indians with a 24-11 vote. The Gun Lake casino compact was approved in 2002, but then-Governor Engler did not sign it because he had friends involved in the possible casino development. Governor Granholm has not entered into a compact with the tribe. The Senate has now withdrawn its support for a compact.

Senate Majority Leader Sikkema sponsored the Resolution citing as reasons for withdrawal of the compact 1) a recent study commissioned by the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce which indicated a casino could reduce the number of area jobs by approximately 3,000 over the next 10 years, and 2) voters' passage of Proposal 1, which requires local and statewide voter approval of any Michigan gaming expansion.

Governor Granholm's spokesperson Liz Boyd indicated that the compact is still being reviewed and the Resolution's effect on the compact is unknown. Ms. Boyd told Gongwer News Service, "The Senate's action today totally ignores the reality outlined by former Governor Engler. As a federally recognized tribe, Gun Lake will eventually open a casino with or without a compact. As Engler noted, if a compact is not signed, there are several possible outcomes, all of which would lead to the opening of a commercial gambling facility. None of those options would provide the state with the protection of a compact or with any direct revenue."