OKMULGEE – The MCN National Council held a joint session of the Health, Education, and Welfare committee and the Business, Finance, and Justice committee on Tuesday, Dec. 16. The passed legislation will proceed to be voted on by the Full Council at the next regular session.
The committee addressed the following legislation, the interpretation of which is attributed to language in the bills:
NCA 25-126 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing an appropriation for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Health. Representative Nelson Harjo Sr. sponsored the bill, which was postponed indefinitely 8-0.
Rep. Harjo made the motion to postpone the vote on the bill indefinitely, seconded by Representative Thomasene Yahola Osborn. Rep. Harjo said the funds for behavioral health have been found elsewhere within the health system budget.
If the bill is eventually adopted by full council, the $1.5 million appropriation will provide funds for behavioral health services for Tribal defendants in the Nation’s District Court.
NCA 25-127 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security FY 2025 Tribal Homeland Security Grant Program for the benefit of the Lighthorse Police Department and the Office of Emergency Management. Representative Dode Barnett sponsored the bill, which passed 8-0.
If the bill is adopted by full council, the $817,375 grant will provide drones, an explosive detector, drone tracking software and drone supplies for the Lighthorse Police Department. It will provide equipment, training, and drones for the Emergency Management Department.
To view the full agenda, visit mcnnc.com.
