Stephanie Bryan, tribal chair for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, has responded to recent comments made by Gov. Robert Bentley concerning the tribe’s offer to help the state address its budget crisis.

Monday, Bentley told reporters that PCI’s offer to advance the state $250 million is “disingenuous.” PCI would agree to loan the state the money, in return for exclusive gambling rights.

“They are being disingenuous,” Bentley said. “We have not been offered $250 million by the Poarch Creek Indians. We can’t take money from them because it’s advance money that will be paid on things down the road.”

Bentley said that borrowing money from the tribe would be unconstitutional.

Wednesday, Bryan responded to the governor’s comments in a statement:

“Our tribe is genuinely committed to being part of the solution to Alabama’s financial crisis,” she said. “We believe that these difficult times demand bold action on the part of everyone in a position to help our state.

“We are sincere in our offer to give Alabama the $250 million it needs now. And we are confident that where there is a will to fix this problem, the great legal minds in our state’s government will find a way to accept this ground-breaking solution for the good of Alabama and its citizens.

“Additionally, it is our heartfelt hope that our state’s elected officials consider entering into a compact with our tribe that will give Alabama a steady stream of revenue and prevent this sort of financial crisis in the future.

“We have brought Alabama economic development and limited gaming in our state. Our focus is on what is good for Alabama, and we remain confident that we can all work together, in good faith, to bring an end to this crisis.”