OKMULGEE, Okla. – The Muscogee (Creek) Nation National Council held the monthly Health, Education, and Welfare Committee session at the Mound Building on June 12.
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 23-059 Confirming the re-nomination of Nolen Robinson Jr. to the serve on the MCN Election Board. Representative Mary Crawford sponsored the legislation, which passed 4-0.
Robinson will go before the National Council at the next Regular Session.
TR 23-060 Authorizing the Principal Chief to execute an Equipment Lease Agreement with Pitney Bowes for the benefit of the MCN Department of Health. Rep. Crawford sponsored the legislation, which passed 4-0.
Pitney Bowes provides unique mail processing equipment and software. The MCNDH desires to contract with the PB to improve administrative and patient services delivery efficiencies.
TR 23-061 Authorizing the Principal Chief to execute a License Purchase Master Customer Agreement with Plexis Healthcare Systems, INC for the benefit of the MCN Department of Health. Rep. Crawford sponsored the legislation, which was postponed indefinitely 4-0.
Plexis provides unique software for use by the MCNDH Contract Health Services.
TR 23-062 Amending TR 19-076 (Suspend all special appropriations and donations) as amended by TR 20-150, TR 21-080, TR 22-128, TR 22-143, TR 22-150, TR 22-155, TR 23-170, and TR 23-045. Representative Anna Marshall sponsored the legislation, which passed 4-0.
It was amended to enact a one-time appropriation for the MCN Elders attending the National Indian Council on Aging elder conference.
NCA 23-048 Amending MCNCA Title 35, 14-102 Entitled, “Annual Appropriation”. Speaker William Lowe sponsored the legislation, which passed 4-0.
It was amended to include an increase of funding from $130,000 to $264,000. It will be counted in the Comprehensive Annual Budget.
NCA 23-052 Authorizing a special appropriation to assist the MCN Elders Attending the National Indian Council On Aging, INC. (NICOA) Conference. Rep. Marshall sponsored the legislation, which passed 4-0.
The NICOA organization aims to advocate and educate Native Elders for improved comprehensive health, social services, and economic well being.
Around 44 elders from different community centers will attend the conference. The $37,891.94 appropriation will provide needed assistance for travel and lodging.
NCA 23-053 Amending NCA 22-142 (Amending MCNCA Title 15 Chapter 1. entitled Official Honor Guard to Establish a Women’s Honor Guard and Appropriating Funds for the Este Cate Hoktvke Suletawv Honor Guard) Rep. Marshall sponsored the legislation, which passed 4-0.
The amendment allows the honor guard to purchase a recreational vehicle, which will allow them to save money on hotels and meals.
NCA 23-054 Amending MCNCA Title 35 Chapter 13 Entitled “Tribal Burial Assistance and Food for funeral Assistance Program” and authorizing the expenditure of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds received from the United States Department of the Treasury for the Fiscal Relief Funding for Burial Assistance. Representative Mark Randolph sponsored the legislation, which was postponed until the next HEW meeting 4-0.
The rising costs of funerals and groceries call for the need to assist families. The amount of assistance will increase from $4,500 to $7,000. Food services will increase from $500 to $750, with a total of $3,825,000 coming from the ARPA funds.
NCA 23-059 Authorizing a supplemental appropriation to the post-graduate education and scholarship revolving fund. Representative Robert Hufft sponsored the legislation, which passed 4-0.
The requested amount will replenish the revolving fund.
Other business included an update of the MCN Health Systems from Secretary of Health, Shawn Terry and Chief Financial Officer Brenda Crawford.
For more information, visit www.mcnnc.com.
