HomeMy WebLinkAboutPR 23408: ALABAMA-COUSHATTA TRIBE OF TEXAS IN SUPPORT OF THE TRIBES OF TEXAS EQUAL FAIR OPPORTUNITY ACT (REQUESTED BY MAYOR BARTIE) P.R. No. 23408
10/17/23 gt
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT ARTHUR,
TEXAS, IN WHICH THE CITY OF PORT ARTHUR, TEXAS, JOINS THE
ALABAMA-COUSHATTA TRIBE OF TEXAS IN SUPPORT OF THE TRIBES
OF TEXAS EQUAL FAIR OPPORTUNITY ACT (REQUESTED BY MAYOR
BARTIE)
WHEREAS, the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas is a federally recognized Indian
Tribe located in Polk County, Texas and is committed to supporting the economic development
and creation of jobs within the surrounding counties of Deep East Texas; and
WHEREAS, the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas' Naskila electronic bingo facility, has
created over 825 new jobs in Deep East Texas and is the second largest employer in the region,
and is responsible for injecting nearly $212 million annually in revenue to the region; and
WHEREAS, the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas provided over 50 fully paid collegiate
scholarships for graduating high school students of the Tribe in 2019, 31 in 2020 and 21 in
I2021; and
WHEREAS, the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas being a good community partner,
contributed $500,000 in donations after Hurricane Harvey to several counties, and purchased
30 manufactured home units; and
WHEREAS, the Ysleta del Sur Pubelo and Alabama-Coushatta Tribes of Texas Equal
and Fair Opportunity Act, also known as the "Tribes of Texas Equal and Fair Opportunity Act,"
could resolve any perceived conflict between federal statutes regarding the right of the
Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas to offer Class II electronic bingo on their tribal lands
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pursuant to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, a right enjoyed and exercised by the Kickapoo
Traditional Tribe of Texas since 1996; and
WHEREAS, the passage of such legislation is vital to continued economic development
and health of both the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas and all Deep East Texas.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
PORT ARTHUR:
THAT, the City of Port Arthur, Texas, joins the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas in
support of the Tribes of Texas Equal and Fair Opportuity Act to clarify that the Tribe can enjoy
the opportunity for tribal economic development on terms that are equal and fair, and to
protect jobs. FURTHER, the City of Port Arthur, urgently requests that those who represent
Texas in the United State House of Representatives and the United States Senate work to enact
such legislation into law.
READ, ADOPTED, AND APPROVED, this day of October, A.D., 2023, at a
Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Port Arthur, Texas by the following vote:
AYES:
Mayor: ,
Councilmembers: ,
NOES:
Thurman Bill Bartie, Mayor
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ATTEST:
Sherri Bellard, City Secretary
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Valecia Tizeno, City Attorney —�
APPROVED FOR ADMINISTRATION:
Ron Burton, City Manager
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