The Polk County, Texas board of commissioners recently approved a resolution in support of U.S. Congressman Brian Babin’s bill, HR 4985, Ysleta del Sur Pueblo and Alabama-Coushatta Tribes of Texas Equal and Fair Opportunity Settlement Act. The measure would allow the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe to continue operating its Naskila Gaming electronic bingo facility. Although the state of Texas has ongoing legal challenges against the facility, the measure would clarify the National Indian Gaming Commission’s authorization permitting the tribe to offer its current Class II gaming operations.
Tribal Council Chairperson for the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe JoAnn Battise said, “I want to thank Judge Murphy and all of the Polk County commissioners. We are grateful that they have approved this resolution in support of HR 4985 that will forever end the threat of legal action from the state of Texas. The resolution signals to Congress that there is strong regional support for electronic bingo on our tribe’s reservation here in Polk County. Their support has been steadfast since we first announced plans to open Naskila Gaming.”
Battise noted Naskila Gaming has created 330 full-time jobs, with 40 percent tribal and 60 percent non-tribal members, at an annual payroll of $16.8 million. “We have been fighting to stay open and protect these jobs since the state first filed the suit against us and we will continue to fight this injustice. We have been overwhelmed by the patronage and support of Naskila Gaming from visitors throughout the state. It has emerged as a significant contributor to the Deep East Texas economy,” Battise stated, adding, “We are grateful that Congressman Babin is working diligently to protect these Deep East Texas jobs and believe other members of the Texas Congressional delegation will join in this effort.”
