LANSING, Mich. — State Sen. Jon Bumstead, R-North Muskegon, released the following statement Wednesday, after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer chose not to approve the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians’ Muskegon County casino project:
“Today is a sad day for the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, Muskegon residents and those of the surrounding area as their governor regrettably chose to deny a longsuffering casino project that had virtually unanimous support from here all the way to Washington, D.C.
“Over the years, the Legislature and governor have worked together to promote initiatives to bring and keep large corporations to our state and to provide good-paying jobs for Michiganders, even if that meant investing significant amounts of taxpayer dollars to get the job done. This time, with this casino project, Gov. Whitmer solely had the opportunity to create 3,000 good-paying jobs with a simple stroke of her pen, and it would not have cost taxpayers one cent. It would seem as though she would rather spend hardworking people’s money than help them earn it.
“The fact remains, our residents are struggling right now to afford everyday essentials like gas and groceries. The 3,000 jobs this casino would have provided would have gone a long way toward helping West Michigan families, businesses and local governments.
“This setback aside, Muskegon still matters. Gov. Whitmer, shame on you.”
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