Tribe distributes over $3.6 million in 2 percent distributions

On May 30th, over $3.6 million was allocated to local units of government, area public schools and other municipalities at the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan's semi-annual 2 percent distribution process.

Of the $3,608,148.50 given, 98 requests or $1,488,722.13 was allocated to local area schools, and 30 requests or $2,119,426.37 was distributed to local units of government and other municipalities.

There were 128 requests funded of the possible 470 requests received.

Since the spring of 1994, the tribe has given a total of $85,649,817.95 in 2 percent distributions, and $95,866,628.18 in 8 percent distributions to the State of Michigan for a grand total of $181,516,446.13.

"When you look at the economic impact our tribe has had to the area over the years, it is evident we have made substantial contributions to the overall quality of life in central Michigan and the surrounding communities," Tribal Chief Fred Cantu, Jr. explains. "To be able to supplement much-needed educational programs and develop funding sources for law enforcement, help demonstrate the caring nature our people have for those who raise their families here with us."

The latest distribution highlighted the importance of education through the continued funding of programs like VISION alternative community education program ($68,000), computers in the classroom project ($84,487), school bus replacement project ($148,280) and Girls on the Run program ($88,000).

"The Girls on the Run program has been highly successful in this community and I'm proud to be part of helping our children learn about health education and healthy lifestyles," SCIT Prevention Team Leader and Girls on the Run Coordinator Jennifer Crawford said. "This program impacts many area schools and I applaud Tribal Council for allowing the funding of this community-based effort that benefits the girls in Isabella County."

The tribe remains committed to law enforcement in our community, and that resolve can be seen through the funding of drug prosecution and reduction in Isabella County ($87,000), funding of the City of Mt. Pleasant Youth Services Unit ($200,000), the multi-jurisdictional traffic enforcement team ($150,000) and the Bay Area Narcotics Enforcement Team (BAYANET, $150,000).
Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan website, May 30th, 2007

Summit shows how important casinos are

Finally, there are some hard statistics to prove what many have guessed. The casinos are a tremendous economic engine.

Together, Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods Resort Casino spent almost $700 million in 2006 in Connecticut. Add to that figure salaries and the number jumps to $1.6 billion. This is beyond the hundreds of millions of dollars pumped into state coffers.

If you take all the emotion that surrounds most discussion about the casinos impact on the region away, it's hard to deny they have benefited the state.

The numbers were revealed at the Native American Economic Summit, hosted by the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut. It was the first comprehensive effort to understand the casinos impact on the state economy, and it revealed much.

The casinos are doing business with companies in virtually every municipality in the state. There is also an opportunity for entrepreneurs to capitalize on what casinos need, and the potential for economic growth remains with the expansion.

The summit was an important event, and one that should lead to more efforts of this type. There are many other facets of the casinos economic impact that can be investigated.

For example, the economic impact they have had on the surrounding towns should be scrutinized at a much deeper level than in the past. There could be an entire summit on the housing market and availibility as driven by the casinos.

Tribes have made it clear they must not stagnate if they are going to continue to be economic strengths.

The Mashantucket Pequots and Mohegans both seem willing to continue a conversation with their neighbors and partners. The chamber has led the way, it's time for other organizations to join and help keep the process moving forward.
Norwich Bulletin, June 19th, 2007

Gaming brings in billions

When you put $20 in the slots, or wager a bet on the poker table, do you ever wonder where the money goes? What percentage will return to the community?
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