Leaders of the Tigua Tribe and the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe testified in support of a bill to restore their gaming rights in Texas.

The tribes agreed to a state ban on gaming when they were restored to federal recognition. That led to the closure of their successful casinos after court battles with the state.

"These are two tribes that have had long histories with the state of Texas. We want to continue to be good neighbors," testified Alabama-Coushatta Chairman Carlos Bullock, the Associated Press reported.

As the tribes were testifying, a delegation of Tigua women met with lawmakers to explain the role of women in Pueblo society. A lawmaker raised concerns about the gaming bill after finding out that women do not vote in tribal elections.

"We don't vote on election night," Edna Sierra told The El Paso Times after talking to lawmakers. "But that doesn't mean we don't have a say."

Get the Story:
Women tell legislators of their roles in Tigua tribe (The El Paso Times 3/31)
Tigua women meet with state lawmakers over voting rights, reopening casinos (The Dallas Morning News 3/31)
Support tenuous, process slowed for Speaking Rock (KVIA 3/30)
Texas tribes push to reopen casinos (AP 3/30)