Editorial: Gaming not a solution for Alabama-Coushatta Tribe

Texans can sympathize with the economic plight of the Alabama-Coushatta Indian Tribe. The tribe has always struggled financially, and the last few years have been especially rough.

But the solution does not lie in casino gambling. Texans don't want it, and the state economy is doing well anyway.

Congress should not interfere in state business by approving a bill introduced by U.S. Rep. Steve Stockman, R-Friendswood, and Rep. Gene Green, D-Houston, that would grant the Alabama-Coushatta the gaming rights that some tribes in other states have used for casino gambling. The Alabama-Coushatta even voted down a proposal in 1996 to pursue casino gambling by a 2-1 margin.