Potawatomi monopoly still has taxpayers paying some healthcare costs

The Forest County Potawatomi, whose competition-free Milwaukee casino brings in millions and millions of dollars every week and has made them one of the richest tribes in the state, apparently don’t mind letting Wisconsin taxpayers pick up the healthcare tab for some of their casino employees.

Recent figures from the State Department of Health and Family Services place Potawatomi among the top 50 employers with the most participants in BadgerCare, the state’s tax-funded healthcare program for the working poor.

The state anticipates taxpayers will pick up more than $160,000 in BadgerCare costs for Potawatomi employees in 2007. In stark contrast, Potawatomi’s Milwaukee casino currently pulls in about $250 million a year – and anticipates doubling that when its expansion is complete.

The Potawatomi aren’t shy about asking the government for help – first, to preserve their monopoly and also, to have taxpayers pay some of their employees’ doctor bills.

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