Yesterday the Michigan House had to clear the board to prevent a huge loss on the vote to discharge the compact (a concurrent resolution) from the Reg Reform committee. The Muskegon Chronicle has the news story:
Fruitport casino plan gets the cold shoulder from Michigan House of Representatives
Published: Thursday, August 26, 2010, 12:33 AM Updated: Thursday, August 26, 2010, 1:11 AM by Eric Gaertner
FRUITPORT TOWNSHIP — The chances of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians building a casino at the former Great Lakes Downs racetrack site suffered a setback Wednesday.The state House, which is required to concur with a compact amendment allowing the tribe to open an off-reservation casino in Muskegon County, failed to even approve the discharge of the resolution from committee.
State Rep. Doug Bennett’s request to have his bill discharged was on the verge of defeat during a House floor vote Wednesday when he had the board cleared and his request withdrawn. Greg McCullough, Bennett’s legislative aide, said the roll-call vote was at 53-13 against the discharge when Bennett withdrew his request. Bennett, D-Muskegon Township, introduced the bill in April.
Even if the discharge vote had been approved, the resolution still would require a full House vote on whether to concur with the compact amendment signed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm and Little River Band Ogema Larry Romanelli earlier this year.
McCullough called Wednesday’s vote frustrating. Fruitport Township Supervisor Brian Werschem said it was beyond disappointing.
“The delay continues,” Werschem said. “I’m a little surprised that the Legislature would stall economic development in West Michigan. We were looking at bringing jobs, entertainment and dollars to this community.”
Robert Memberto, Little River Band’s commerce director, criticized House Speaker Andy Dillon for listening to lobbyists, other tribes worried about competition for their casinos and the Detroit corporate casinos. Dillon, D-Redford, ran unsuccessfully for the Democratic nomination for governor.
“Speaker Dillon is playing politics with jobs,” Memberto said.
Turtle Talk 