Group Seeking New Mich. Casinos Turns In Petitions

LANSING (WWJ/AP) - A group behind a push to bring new casinos to Michigan has turned in petitions to get the measure on the November ballot.

Secretary of state spokeswoman Gisgie Gendreau said Tuesday that Citizens for More Michigan Jobs dropped off 509,777 petition signatures to the Bureau of Elections.

The deadline for submissions is July 9. Gendreau says 322,609 valid signatures are needed.

Citizens for More Michigan Jobs wants voters to allow new casinos in Detroit, Pontiac, Grand Rapids, Romulus, Birch Run, Macomb County's Clinton Township, Wexford County's Clam Lake Township near Cadillac and Clinton County's DeWitt Township near Lansing.

The committee's spokesperson, Emily Palsrok, said news casinos would help boost the local economy, creating an estimated 16,000 new jobs.

Another group called Michigan is Yours seeks a ballot proposal for casinos in Detroit and six other cities.

Most types of gambling expansion have to be approved by statewide and local votes.

Opponents of the plan say our state has enough casinos, and struggling residents have better things to do with their money.

MORE: 8 New Casinos? Vote Could Come In November

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