"The national economic downturn touches all of us, but the economic struggles so many Americans now face is one that poses a long-running challenge to members of my tribe, the Alabama-Coushatta of Texas.

One in three people on our reservation is unemployed. Diabetes is rampant, affecting more than 50 percent of us, and access to proper health care in our community is extremely limited. Advice at the local health clinic includes "don't get sick after June" because annual health funding has run dry by then.

Although we share the economic insecurity felt by many Texans these days, we are steadfast in our hope and commitment to find greater prosperity, a brighter future and better health care for our people.

One solution to our social and economic challenges is limited gaming on our tribal land 75 miles northeast of Houston. Our tribe is working to regain that right, and we believe that today's political and economic climate will help us make a strong case for our cause."

Get the Story:
Carlos Bullock: Casinos will help us help ourselves (The Austin-American Statesman 4/17)