Janet Mills, the governor of Maine, has vetoed a bill that would have allowed Native American tribes to open and operate gambling establishments on their lands.
The bill was initially approved by Maine’s legislature, receiving majority support in June; however, Mills expressed “serious concerns,” according to the Portland Press Herald.
The Governor and her administration were fearful that the bill would reinstate tribal rights.
Mills stated that it has been a priority to rebuild the relationship between the tribe and the state. However, she added that this bill had faults she could not accept.
She was concerned about the lack of “limitations on where tribal gaming may occur, or on the size of each facility.”
She was also afraid that the legislation would allow any size casino to be approved in nontribal communities.
Four tribes would have benefited from the passage of this bill. And each issued their own statement in response to Mills’ decision.
Passamaquoddy Tribe Chief Maggie Dana stated that Mills had only met with tribal leaders twice in the last two years. And also the Governor did not care about tribal issues.
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