The Poarch Band of Creek Indians has unveiled a public awareness campaign that is focused on communicating details of their comprehensive plan for gaming in Alabama.
Striving to generate billions of dollars in new revenues to the state, create thousands of new jobs, and regulate and tax gaming interests, the move comes after what the tribe describes “a public misinformation campaign funded by an anonymous group”.
Last month PBCI emphasised its commitment to economic development in its home state, lauding local successes amid current expansion, as local media reported that a new group intended to hold the group accountable for how they spend revenue, stressing concern at a perceived growing influence statewide.
In a media release PBCI emphasised a belief that “the sole purpose of that group’s work was to misrepresent the tribe’s position on gaming in the state, confuse the issues surrounding gaming regulation and taxation, and damage Poarch’s reputation”.
“We have long believed that the economic power of gaming should be strategically harnessed to create opportunities for everyone who lives in Alabama,” noted Stephanie Bryan, Poarch tribal chair and CEO.
“This plan does that, and we are committed to making sure that our positions on gaming and our commitment to helping improve the quality of life in Alabama are clear. ”
The plan also calls for the construction of two deluxe tourist resorts in the northern Alabama, and supports citizens’ rights to vote on gaming issues, including whether the region should also have the kind of traditional lottery that other neighbouring states have in place.
Furthermore, the group is to also reveal publicly what they propose in the way of a plan for gaming in the state through a public awareness campaign, including a policy-focused website www.winningforalabama.com.
It is hoped that through this introduction citizens utilise a platform to voice opinions of gaming issues, as well as giving an opportunity for communities to alert the tribe and state leaders about wider critical needs.
“We hope that the information we are making available will prompt both citizens and our state’s legislators to seriously consider a solid plan for gaming that can have real economic benefits for Alabama,” added Bryan.
“We believe that it is important everyone in the atate has access to honest information and constructive ideas so they can make the best decisions about an issue that is critically important to Alabama’s economic well-being and quality of life.”
