Bill fails on legislative authority

Wednesday, March 5, 2003 | 10:52 a.m.

MADISON, Wis. -- Lawmakers should turn their attention to the state's $3.2 billion budget deficit now that their effort to give themselves authority over Indian gaming compacts has failed, Gov. Jim Doyle said today.

The state Senate failed by one vote Tuesday to override Doyle's veto of a bill that would have given lawmakers final approval of a gaming compact negotiated by the governor.

Immediately after the vote, Republicans announced a second bill designed to give them some say in the negotiations.

Doyle said he had not seen the bill but the details he's heard seem to suggest it's the same as the one he vetoed last week.

"It seems to me this issue has now been decided," he said.

The measure would need the approval of the full Legislature and Doyle to become law.

The new bill, which leaders hope to debate next week, would require approval by both houses of the Legislature:

For any compact longer than 10 years with an opportunity to renew for five more years.

For any expansion of tribal gaming off-reservation.

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