The debate over whether or not the Sault Ste. Marie Chippewa Tribe can build a casino in downtown Lansing, Mich., continued Tuesday, with Rep. Mike Rogers weighing in on the conversation. He joined Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette and the Saginaw Indian Chippewa Tribe in voicing opposition to the proposal, according to MLive.
One of the legal hurdles to building the casino might have been removed. MLive reported a group of lawyers has found a difference in the wording of the state law as it applies to the Sault Ste. Marie Chippewa Tribe in regards to such matters that might provide a loophole to the opposition.
What are the details surrounding the proposed casino?
The casino, tentatively called the Lansing Kewadin Casino, is reportedly going to cost approximately $245 million to build. If the proposal goes through, it will be 125,000 square feet, with an estimated 3,000 slot machines and 48 gaming tables. The land being proposed for the new building is owned by the city of Lansing.
Why do Schuette and Rogers oppose the idea?
According to the Detroit Free Press, Schuette said Monday that he thinks the state has more than enough casinos. He has also pointed out through he didn't see a legal way the city could justify building the casino, and he made note of the possibility of an increase in crime and gambling addictions in line with those seen in communities that already have one.
Rogers said he believes casinos "over-promise" and "under-deliver" when it comes to economic outlooks, according to MLive. He pointed to the fact Detroit has three casinos and is still not recovering economically.
Why is Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero in favor of building the casino?
In his news conference announcing plans for the casino, Bernero said the venture could bring some 2,200 new jobs to Lansing. According to State News, he also asserted the city could see $6 million a year in revenue from the casino's estimated $250 million in expected annual profits. He stated the money could potentially be used to fund college scholarships for students in Lansing's public school system.
Vanessa Evans is a musician and freelance writer based in Michigan, with a lifelong interest in politics and public issues.




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