Support J.R. Matthews For NIGA Treasurer!

Oklahoma's own J.R. Matthews of the Quapaw Tribe has thrown his hat in the ring for the office of Treasurer of the National Indian Gaming Association.

J.R. has decided to be a candidate for this position currently held by our OIGA Past President Tracy Burris who has decided not to seek re-election. I want to thank Tracy for all of his dedication to Indian Gaming for all Oklahoma tribes.

J.R. is a longtime supporter of both NIGA and OIGA and will be a perfect choice for the position. I am happy to support J.R. Matthews for NIGA Treasurer and ask that you join me in supporting him this week in San Diego!

Thank You for your consideration and Good Luck J.R.

David Qualls
OIGA Chairman

Labor Relations Issues Discussed

Casino Management Should Be Wary of Employer
Penalties Under the NLRB

By: Geoffrey M. Standing Bear, OIGA General Counsel

Geoffrey Standing Bear, O.I.G.A. General Counsel, has presented an informative paper on these issues that face our members.

Please forward to all of your management personnel for their information.

Clink the link below to take you to the document.


http://www.okindiangaming.org/PDFs/NLRAEnforcmentissues.pdf

California lawmakers ask National Indian Gaming Commission to resist new Class II regulations

By David J. Qualls, Chairman O.I.G.A.


I had the opportunity to address the California Nevada Indian Gaming Associaion's Executive Board and General Assembly to ask for their assistance on the Class II Regulations issue.

Please read the article in the link below, and know that our friends in California have came to the aid of all the Class II gaming tribes across the nation.

I would like to thank CNIGA Chairman Anthony Miranda, and all the member tribes of CNIGA for their support of O.I.G.A.!

Desert Sun Article

NIGA Issues Alert For Class II Regulations

By David J. Qualls, Chairman O.I.G.A.

National Indian Gaming Association President Ernie Stevens issued a statement and sample letter for tribes to submit asking the National Indian Gamng Commission to extend the period or withdraw the proposed regulations until more further review could take place.

Follow this link to O.I.G.A.'s website to view/download the alert and sample letter.

O.I.G.A. would like to thank Chariman Stevens and his staff for their tireless effort to champion the cause of Indian Gaming for all our tribes!!

NIGA Alert and Sample Comment Letter

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On February 19th, I sent a letter to Chairman Hogen asking the Commission to reconsider on behalf of the Association. A copy of that letter can be found here:

O.I.G.A.'s February 19th Request to Withdraw or Extend

This Article Sums It All Up!

Gaming is working in Oklahoma in both the Class II and Class III Markets

KTEN: "State Revenue From Gaming Triples"

Washington Post Article On Gaming Economy

This is an interesting article on the current nationwide status of the gaming economy.

With the saturation of facilities in Oklahoma as well as the impending threat to the status of the Class II Market, Oklahoma could soon mirror the national economic experience.

Click this link below to read the story.

Click Here: Washington Post Article

House to Hold Land into Trust Hearing

By David J. Qualls, Chairman O.I.G.A.


The House Natural Resources Committee, led by Chairman Nick J. Rahall (D-WV), will hold an oversight hearing on the "Department of Interior's Recently Released Guidance on Taking Land into Trust for Indian Tribes and its Ramifications."

Subject: House Natural Resources Committee Oversight Hearing on the "Department of Interior's Recently Released Guidance on Taking Land into Trust for Indian Tribes and its Ramifications"

When: Wednesday, February 27, 2008, at 11:00 a.m. (Eastern Time)

Where: Room 1324 Longworth House Office Building

Click this link and scroll to the bottom of the page for Video and Audio Links to the meeting.

http://resourcescommittee.house.gov/index.php?option=com_jcalpro&Itemid=54&extmode=view&extid=142