OKMULKE, Oklv. – The Muscogee (Creek) Nation National Council held the monthly Business, Finance and Justice Committee session at the Mound Building on March 21.
Passed legislation is subject to Full Council approval during the Regular Session.
The committee addressed the following legislation, the interpretation of which is attributed to language in the bills:
TR 24-002 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the Principal Chief to execute an engagement letter for legal services between the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Tax Commission and Pipestem Law, P.C. Representative Sandra Golden sponsored the legislation, which was unanimously postponed until the next BFJ committee meeting 3-0.
If it is passed on and adopted by the full council, the legislation would secure legal services for the MCN Tax Commission involving litigation, tax codes, enforcement of applicable tax laws and advising on tax strategy. This legislation was previously postponed from a previous BFJ committee meeting.
TR 24-037 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the Principal Chief to execute an updated compact of self-governance and a multiyear funding agreement between the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and the Secretary of the Interior. Representative Dode Barnett sponsored the bill, which passed unanimously 3-0.
According to the bill the purpose of the compact is to allow the Nation to redesign programs, services, functions, and activities, as well as reallocate funds for these purposes. The overall goal is to provide long-term financial stability to the government.
TR 24-038 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation confirming the nomination of Tim Good Voice to serve on the Mvskoke Loan Fund Board. Representative Nelson Harjo Sr. sponsored the bill, which passed unanimously 3-0.
If Good Voice’s nomination is approved by the full council, his term will begin on May 22 and expire on May 22, 2027.
NCA 24-026 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Fiscal Relief Funding and Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Funding (LATCF) received from the United States Department of the Treasury to establish a revolving fund with the Mvskoke Loan Fund for the fiscal relief funding of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation instrumentalities. Rep. Harjo sponsored the bill, which narrowly passed 2-1.
LATCF provided the Nation with $3,000,000 for fiscal years 2022 and 2023. A total of $10,000,000 in funds will be used to continue standard operations at the Mvskoke Loan Fund this year.
NCA 24-027 A law of the Musocgee (Creek) Nation amending MCNCA Title 37, § 2-229 entitled “Mvskoke Loan Fund Revolving Fund Account and Loss Reserve Account” and creating a new business revolving fund account. Rep. Harjo sponsored the bill, which passed unanimously 3-0.
This bill will codify an official business revolving fund account for the Mvskoke Loan Fund under the direction of the department and the Office of the Controller.
Referred Legislation
NCA 24-020 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing a supplemental appropriation to the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Disaster Assistance Program Fiscal Year 2024 Budget. Representative Anna Marshall sponsored the bill, which was approved for $650,000.
NCA 24-022 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing a donation to the KH Heavenly Corporation. Representative Mark Randolph sponsored the bill, which was approved for $2,000.
NCA 24-023 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation amending MCNCA Title 5, Chapter 2 entitled “Financial Assistance” and amending MCNCA Title 37, Chapter 2 “Budget and Finance”. Rep. Randolph sponsored the bill. Representative Robyn Whitecloud co-sponsored the bill, which was approved for $88,000.
NCA 24-024 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing a supplemental appropriation for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Head Start Program Fiscal Year 2024 Budget. Representative Joyce C. Deere sponsored the bill, which was approved for $25,603.
Other Business:
Other business involved Muscogee Nation Gaming Enterprises.
To view the full agenda, visit: mcnnc.com.