Principal Chief Ellis gives State of the Nation Address

Principal Chief A.D. Ellis gave his Annual State of the Nation address to a capacity crowd Thursday, Feb. 4, 2010.

"I'd like to welcome everyone here; it shows that people are interested in our government," said Ellis.  "This is my seventh State of the Nation and the first on a Thursday night."  He addressed such issues as the declining casino income and possible cuts in spending.  While programs to be cut or slashed are still very much up for debate, the looming financial crunch weighed heavy on the crowd.

"Our revenue for 2011 is going to be in terrible shape," said Ellis.  "In the first quarter of 2009, last year, our revenue from the Tulsa casino was $13.6 million.  This year for the same period it's $5.2 million.  That $8 million dollars short in one quarter; times for that's $32 million short projected."

The downturn of the economy plays a major factor in the casino revenues.  However, he is encouraging departments to watch spending and cut back as needed. 

The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Tribal Complex in Okmulgee currently employs 1,548 people with annual payroll budget of $50.2 million; Gaming employs 1892 people with an annual payroll budget of $55.1 million.  Together, Muscogee (Creek) Nation pays a total of $105 million in annual payroll budget alone.

We have to make up $23 million somewhere," said Ellis.  "If there is a 10 percent reduction in salary, I think it should begin at the top.  Layoffs will be a last resort.  We're willing to do what it takes."

"From all of our, Tulsa, Muskogee, Okmulgee, and community casinos, we had a total profit of $83.5 million last year," said Ellis.  "If our projections are right, it will be $44 million this year.

The two casinos that improved revenues over last year are Okemah and Checotah.