Casino cash could boost Mich. scholarship programs

LANSING, Mich.

School districts could use money received through agreements with tribal-run casinos to fund college scholarship programs through legislation approved by the Michigan Senate.

The bill approved by unanimous vote Thursday now goes to the House.

Michigan has more than 20 casinos run by American Indian tribes. The tribes have agreements with the state that typically provides 2 percent of certain gaming revenue to local governments, including schools.

The bill passed Thursday would allow school districts covered by those agreements to use their proceeds for scholarships for their graduates.

The legislation sponsored by Republican Sen. Ron Jelinek of Three Oaks was sparked by a plan from New Buffalo schools to fund a scholarship program.