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Jobs & Economic Impact
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Illinois casino expansion could threaten Wisconsin’s opportunity
Illinois is coming closer and closer to expanding its gaming market, which is likely to include a new casino in Lake County, just miles from the state line. If that happens, there would still be many new jobs and a robust new revenue stream – only they would be benefiting Illinois, not Wisconsin. By partnering with Menominee in Kenosha, Governor Walker has the power to pre-empt any Illinois proposal and ensure more than 3,300 good jobs and more than $35 million in new state revenue a year come here to the Badger State.
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The Kenosha entertainment center and casino will create more than 3,300 good-paying jobs with benefits for local residents, and indirectly support another 1,800 local jobs. On top of that, just building the facility will create more than 1,400 family-sustaining construction jobs. Those 6,500 jobs go a long way toward helping fulfill Governor Walker’s goal of creating
creating 250,000 new jobs
in the Badger State.
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Additionally, the Kenosha casino will make more in state and local government payments than any other Wisconsin company or Tribe – essentially, it will be the State of Wisconsin’s largest taxpayer. Agreements in place with the City of Kenosha and Kenosha County will also benefit local schools, cultural institutions and nonprofits.
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Good Jobs for Wisconsin
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* The Kenosha facility will directly employ 3,356 FTE. Employees are expected to earn an average salary, including tips and benefits, of $47,234. Total annual payroll, with benefits, is project at about $150 million.
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* Employees would be offered a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental and vision insurance; 401(k) plans; disability insurance; life insurance; child-care subsidies; employer-paid meals; and more.
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* Construction of the facility is expected to create 1,400 additional jobs, with total construction employee compensation estimated at $164 million.
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* More than 1,800 additional full and part-time jobs will be created as a result of the facility’s indirect economic impact.
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* To ensure that jobs benefit local residents, the facility will establish a hiring process that gives preference to Kenosha, Racine and Milwaukee County residents, in that order. Minority hiring preferences will also be in effect.
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Economic Benefits for Wisconsin
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* The Compact between the Menominee Tribe and the State of Wisconsin requires the Tribe to pay the State from 7 percent to 7.5 percent of the Kenosha casino’s net win every year. Menominee would pay a higher percentage of net win than any other Tribe in the state.
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* Menominee would pay the state approximately $35 million a year, which is more than any other business or Tribe. Essentially, Menominee would be the state’s biggest taxpayer.
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* Total payments to the State over the first 10 years of operation alone are estimated at more than $350 million.
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Economic Benefits for Kenosha
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* Under terms of an Intergovernmental Agreement, the Tribe will pay the City of Kenosha and Kenosha County 3 percent of net win over the Kenosha project’s first eight years and 4 percent of net win thereafter. Payments to the City and County are expected to total more than $19 million annually. By comparison, the current shuttered Dairyland Greyhound Park site generates approximately $300,000 per year in taxes.
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* The Tribe will also make a $1.5 million annual gift to the Kenosha Unifed School District. Additionally, the City of Kenosha will annually distribute $500,000 of its casino payment to KUSD, and the County will distribute $500,000 of its payment to the Kenosha school districts west of Interstate 94.
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* The Tribe will make a one-time, $5 million contribution to be used for establishing trust funds to support Kenosha public museums, local services for the homeless and other area cultural and charitable needs.
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* The Tribe will establish a comprehensive responsible gaming program and match Kenosha County funds up to $150,000 annually for assessment and treatment of problem gamblers.
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