MVSKOKE RESERVATION – On Oct. 27, the Health, Education, and Welfare Committee held an in-person meeting. Passed legislation will go on to the next full council meeting, unless otherwise noted.
The committee addressed the following legislation, the interpretation of which is attributed to language in the bills:
NCA 26-134 A law of the Muscogee Nation authorizing the expenditure of grant funds in the amount of $734,394 awarded from the Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, for the benefit of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Health passed with a vote of 4-0. Representative Mary Crawford sponsored the legislation.
During the discussion, Spencer Torbett, attorney for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Health, said the funds will be used by behavioral health services to provide additional staffing and therapists to expand services to patients who are at risk of suicide.
NCA 26-135 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of grant funds in the amount of $273,019 awarded from the Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, for the benefit of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Children and Family Services Administration, passed with a vote of 4-0. Rep. Crawford sponsored the legislation.
During the discussion, Michelle Bender, Director of Children and Family Services for MCN, clarified that this legislation applies to part one of the department’s Title 4B funds. The grant will be used to provide services to families and foster children. Bender said the department has received this grant for many years already.
NCA 26-136 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing a supplemental appropriation in the amount of $113,000 to the Post-Graduate Education and Scholarship Revolving Fund, passed with a vote of 4-0. Rep. Crawford sponsored the legislation.
The Post-Graduate Education and Scholarship Revolving Fund provides assistance to students pursuing advanced degrees or certifications after completing an undergraduate program.
During discussion, MCN Scholarship Foundation Director Pete Coser Jr. said the program is designed to help pay for post-bachelor academic and professional prep courses and testing fees. It was also clarified during discussion that the funding source will be gaming.
NCA 26-140 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of grant funds in the amount of $322,461.44 awarded from the Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, for the benefit of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Children and Family Services Administration, passed with a vote of 4-0. Representative Charles McHenry sponsored the legislation.
Michelle Bender spoke once more during discussion to clarify that this legislation is part two of the Title 4B funds for Children and Family Services that provide services to families and children in foster care.
To view the full agenda, visit mcnnc.com.
