After months of legal battles and controversies surrounding the Cherokee Nation’s proposed casino amendment, the tribe has finally filed its response to the special master’s findings, which will allow the amendment to move forward in Arkansas.
The special master, appointed by the Arkansas Supreme Court to oversee the legal dispute surrounding the casino amendment, recently issued a report recommending that the proposed amendment be allowed to proceed to the ballot after finding that the petition gathered enough valid signatures to qualify for placement on the November ballot.
In response to the special master’s findings, the Cherokee Nation filed a formal response in which it argued that the amendment should be allowed to move forward as it would provide much-needed economic development and job opportunities for the tribe and the state of Arkansas.
“Allowing this amendment to proceed to the ballot is crucial for the economic future of the Cherokee Nation and the state of Arkansas,” said Principal Chief William Baker. “We have worked tirelessly to gather the necessary signatures and comply with all legal requirements, and we believe that the people of Arkansas deserve the opportunity to vote on this important issue.”
The proposed casino amendment would authorize the Cherokee Nation to build a new casino in Pope County, which has been a controversial issue in the state. Opponents of the amendment argue that it would lead to increased crime and addiction problems in the area, while supporters argue that it would bring much-needed revenue and jobs to the region.
The special master’s findings are a significant step forward for the Cherokee Nation and its efforts to build a new casino in Arkansas. The response filed by the tribe emphasizes the importance of the amendment for the economic development of the tribe and the state and sets the stage for a potential vote on the issue in November.
As the legal battle over the casino amendment continues to unfold, all eyes will be on the Arkansas Supreme Court as it ultimately decides whether to allow the amendment to move forward to the ballot. In the meantime, the Cherokee Nation remains optimistic about the future of the casino amendment and the potential benefits it could bring to the tribe and the state of Arkansas.