Jackson Supports Entertainment Complex in Southland

Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. today strongly reaffirmed his support for the Ho-Chunk Nation's proposed family entertainment center in Lynwood, saying it will create a state-of-the-art entertainment center and bring 5,000 good-paying jobs to the Chicago Southland.

Jackson also produced an independent Congressional study that concluded that Native American gaming resorts "generate economic development through the creation of quality jobs." The study also concluded that Indian gaming can be especially beneficial to economical distressed communities, and that they are most successful when developed as part of a larger entertainment complex or "destination resort."

"The Ho-Chunk proposal meets all the criteria for success," Jackson said, citing the bipartisan and independent 1999 National Gambling Impact Study Commission report. "As a resort development, it will create 5,000 jobs at an average salary of $45,000 a year, or $16,000 above the local average.

"It also will produce $78 million in income taxes and nearly $90 in revenue sharing payments to the state and local communities annually," the Congressman said.

"As a tourist destination, this complex will bring exciting new activities for families, vacationers and conventioneers in the Chicago Southland. In addition to gaming, the development will feature an amphitheater, spa, softball and soccer complex, hotel, water theme park, and the Midwest's only Native American museum," Jackson said. "It will draw tourists and millions of dollars to the area, in addition to jobs and tax revenues."

The Ho-Chunk Nation is seeking approval from the Federal Government to create a reservation on land it owns in Lynwood, which was part of the Ho-Chunk's aboriginal homeland. Once the reservation is created, the tribe will negotiate with the State of Illinois all terms related to gaming activities and revenue sharing programs.