Tribal Casino Legislation Dies

ALBANY, New York – As reported by the Albany Times Herald-Record: "Long-shot legislation to give two Wisconsin-based Indian tribes casinos in the Catskills and settle land claim lawsuits the tribes have against the state, died in the Legislature just days after it was introduced.

"Senate leaders who introduced the bill early this week decided late Wednesday it wouldn't even be brought up for a vote. It was never considered in the Assembly.

"…The bill, originated by Sen. Majority Leader Joe Bruno, R-Brunswick, would have given casino rights to the Wisconsin Oneidas and the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohicans.

"It also would have legalized the New York Oneidas' successful Turning Stone casino near Utica, by validating a required compact with the state in what was considered a strong-arm ploy to leverage revenue from that tribe…"

2006-06-26