Bill Overview
Title: Ysleta del Sur Pueblo and Alabama-Coushatta Tribes of Texas Equal and Fair Opportunity Act
Description: This bill allows the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo and Alabama-Coushatta tribes to conduct gaming activities on their land in Texas if certain conditions are met. Currently, the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo and Alabama-Coushatta Indian Tribes of Texas Restoration Act prohibits the tribes from conducting gaming activities on their land if those activities are prohibited by Texas law. The bill instead prohibits the act from precluding or limiting the applicability of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA). Therefore, the bill effectively makes IGRA the controlling federal statute governing gaming activities on the tribes' land.
Sponsors: Sen. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM]
Target Audience
Population: Members of the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo and Alabama-Coushatta tribes
Estimated Size: 3750
- The Ysleta del Sur Pueblo and Alabama-Coushatta tribes are the primary beneficiaries of the bill as it enables them to conduct gaming activities which can lead to economic development and self-sustainability.
- Tribal members and their families within the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo and Alabama-Coushatta tribes are likely to experience changes in economic activity, employment opportunities, and social services as a result of increased revenue from gaming.
- Nearby communities and businesses may experience economic changes as casino establishments potentially attract tourism and increase local commerce.
- Regulatory bodies and legal entities engaged in tribal and gaming law will be affected due to adjustments in oversight and compliance mechanisms.
Reasoning
- The policy primarily impacts the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo and Alabama-Coushatta tribes in Texas. These tribes could see significant economic benefits from gaming activities, potentially improving their economic status, employment rates, and access to resources.
- Given the policy's economic focus, members of these tribes working in or around the newly established casinos, their families, and perhaps nearby community members in Texas not directly employed but doing business due to increased local tourism, are the main contributors to the policy's effect.
- The policy's financial constraints dictate that the tribal communities will likely prioritize immediate economic activities and gradual development of infrastructure to support sustained community services.
- Some individuals outside the immediate scope, such as residents of neighboring towns, may experience economic shifts or opportunities indirectly due to increased commerce and tourism, but at lower significance earlier on.
Simulated Interviews
Tribal Council Member (Ysleta del Sur Pueblo, TX)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy opens significant opportunities for our community, providing much needed economic growth and improved community services.
- However, careful management is needed to ensure that gaming benefits are equitably shared and do not exacerbate social issues.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Casino Employee (Alabama-Coushatta Reservation, TX)
Age: 32 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The availability of jobs at the casino is a big deal for me and many others.
- There's hope that with a steady income, I can build a stable future for myself, perhaps even buy a home.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 2 |
Small Business Owner (Houston, TX)
Age: 58 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The casino might boost my business thanks to more tourists in the area.
- I see this as a chance for growth but also worry about increased competition.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
Law Student (Austin, TX)
Age: 25 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is a critical development in tribal law, reinforcing tribal sovereignty.
- It'll be interesting to see how this impacts tribal self-governing abilities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Economist for a Nonprofit Organization (San Antonio, TX)
Age: 39 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Economically, the policy could be transformative. However, monitoring for unwanted social effects like gambling addiction is crucial.
- Empirical data is needed to guide future expansions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Community Leader (Nacogdoches, TX)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope the policy generates more visitors to our cultural festivals too.
- It's important these policies include measures to support local culture and traditions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Social Worker (El Paso, TX)
Age: 41 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy offers more funding for youth programs, indirectly through increased tribal revenues.
- The concern is ensuring these funds reach those in need.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Construction Worker (Livingston, TX)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This job was timely as I was unemployed for months.
- I'm grateful for the opportunity, but the job is temporary.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 2 |
Retired Educator (Tyler, TX)
Age: 66 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy might revitalize old stories and histories of these tribal lands through tourism.
- I hope any development keeps historical integrity in mind.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Casino Opponent (Waco, TX)
Age: 59 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe expanding gaming is harmful and could lead to addiction and family problems.
- We should be investing in other forms of job creation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $1000000 (Low: $500000, High: $1500000)
Year 2: $1000000 (Low: $500000, High: $1500000)
Year 3: $1000000 (Low: $500000, High: $1500000)
Year 5: $1000000 (Low: $500000, High: $1500000)
Year 10: $1000000 (Low: $500000, High: $1500000)
Year 100: $1000000 (Low: $500000, High: $1500000)
Key Considerations
- The role of IGRA in regulating gaming activities will require efficient coordination between the tribes and federal oversight bodies.
- Potential legal challenges from the state of Texas or other stakeholders could impact the timing and full realization of anticipated economic benefits.
- Local economic conditions and infrastructure support will influence the degree of effectiveness of gaming operations.