The leader of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation says he believes Illinois lawmakers will eventually pass a bill granting the tribe title to a 1,500-acre park in DeKalb County, but it may take a few more months.
Chairman Joseph “Zeke” Rupnick said in a statement this week that a bill granting the tribe ownership of Shabbona Lake and State Park outside of Aurora had bipartisan support in both chambers, but lawmakers simply ran out of time before giving it final passage.
“Although we ran out of time, we’re seeing Illinois position itself on the right side of history in a milestone that would transcend politics, bureaucracy and fear,” Rupnick said in a text message statement to Capitol News Illinois. “We’re looking forward to getting this across the finish line the next time the legislature reconvenes.”
