Both federal and state legislators have expressed their support for the Beloit gaming and entertainment project of the Ho-Chunk Nation. Last week, the casino plan made significant progress by receiving federal approval.
On April 15th, the Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) gave the green light to the project, which is set to now head to Governor Tony Evers to make a two-part determination. According to estimates, the Beloit casino plan could create around 1,500 jobs in the Beloit area.
The federal approval which was received by the Ho-Chunk Nation for its casino plan was described as a key step forward for Beloit by the US Senator Tammy Baldwin, who said that the project is expected to have a positive impact on the local community as it would bring jobs and economic boost to the region. One of the most eager supporters of the project, US Rep. Mark Pocan, and one of the plan’s critics, US Senator Ron Johnson, could not be reached for comment yesterday.
Two years ago, a spokesperson for Senator Johnson explained that the Senator would respect the decision of BIA and the Governor, whatever it is. On the other hand, state legislators in the Beloit area of Wisconsin from both parties have backed the casino project, with Amy Loundenbeck, a State Representative, having called on the Governor of the state to also give his approval to the plan that would boost the local economy not only in Beloit but also in the greater Rock County.
The Biloit Casino Project of Ho-Chunk Nation Would Be Beneficial for the Region
According to State Representative Loudenbeck, twenty years of due diligence, discussions and uncertainty have been more than enough for the region, so the bipartisan support received by casino project has been a massive step forward in the approval process. Loundenbeck reminded that the local economy has been facing difficulties under the current conditions and the development of the proposed project would be helpful for the Beloit and regional economy in terms of ensuring new jobs, bringing more tourists and generating fresh revenue to the area.
According to State Representatives, who have given their support to the casino project, the complex comprised of a casino venue, a hotel, conference center and other entertainment options would be a great addition to the region. The fact that the development of the complex could create new jobs in an area that historically had been predisposed to higher rates of unemployment than the ones registered in other parts of the country, would also be beneficial.
State Senator Janis Ringhan, who also supported the project, reminded that the local residents’ safety and well-being is among the paramount goals of local lawmakers , so the partnership with the Ho-Chunk Nation would undoubtedly be beneficial for both parties.
