MILWAUKEE (WTAQ) – Organizers of the proposed Kenosha casino have offered to pay the state’s share of bonding for a new Milwaukee Bucks arena, in exchange for the governor’s approval of the casino project.
The Menominee Indian tribe has put up the $220 million the state would borrow for the Bucks’ arena, if Walker changes his mind about rejecting the casino.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel said it was actually Hard Rock International that offered the arena money. Hard Rock was brought in as the developer of the Kenosha gaming resort.
The Republican Walker is on a trade mission to London this week, and has not commented. His spokeswoman, Laurel Patrick, says approving the casino could still leave the door open to expensive litigation from the Potawatomi tribe.
Walker has said it could force the state to refund hundreds of millions of dollars in past Potawatomi gaming payments, due to language in the tribe’s current compact.
Patrick also reminded us that none of the state’s borrowing would affect current tax dollars. That’s because NBA players would pay back the money with income taxes from higher salaries projected in the league’s next TV package.
State Assembly Speaker Robin Vos has supported the Kenosha casino, but he says everyone must accept the fact that Walker may never change his mind.
(Story courtesy of Wheeler News Service)
