OKMULGEE, Oklahoma – A Muscogee (Creek) Nation National Council Business, Finance, and Justice Committee meeting was held in person and via teleconference on Jan. 19. at the Mound Building. All legislation will go before the full Council during the next session.
BFJ addressed the following legislation, the interpretation of which is attributed to language in the bills:
TR 23-013 Confirming the nomination of Patricia Kilian as the controller and the secretary of the treasury for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. Representative Randall Hicks sponsored the bill, which was approved for do pass 3-2. The vote was initially tied 2-2 but was broken in favor of passage by the Chairman.
Kilian’s term will begin upon confirmation and end concurrently with the term of the current Principal Chief.
TR 23-014 Authorizing the Principal Chief to submit a small, rural, and tribal body-worn camera program grant application for the benefit of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Lighthorse Police Department. Representative Mark Randolph sponsored the bill, which was approved for do pass 3-1.
The grant aims to reduce the use of force by assisting in de-escalating conflicts. The grant requires one-to-one matching funds over a year, which will need to be matched with $29,494.97 by the Muscogee (Creek) Nation.
TR 23-015 Authorizing the Principal Chief to submit a grant application to the United States Department of Agriculture for the benefit of the Lighthorse Police Department. Rep. Randolph sponsored the bill, which was approved for do pass 3-1.
The $148,800.00 grant will be used to purchase one max prisoner transport van to transport high-risk prisoners to and from Muscogee (Creek) Nation District Court Hearings. If the nation receives the grant, it will match $98,800.00 in leveraged resources.
TR 23-016 Confirming the nomination of Janet Maylen to serve on the Mvskoke Loan Fund Board. Rep. Randolph sponsored the bill, which was unanimously approved for do pass 4-1.
Maylen’s term will begin upon confirmation and expire three years after the confirmation date.
TR 23-017 Authorizing the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Gaming Enterprises, LLC (MNGE) to deposit additional funds in the Muscogee (Creek) Casino Insurance Reserve Fund. Rep. Randall Hicks sponsored the bill, which was unanimously approved for do pass 4-0.
The bill cites the need for additional funds due to the MCN Casinos being shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic and damages from the 2019 Arkansas River floods. The reserve fund also provides for the future event of another natural disaster or public health crisis.
TR 23-018 Authorizing the Muscogee Nation Gaming Enterprises, LLC (MNGE) to deposit additional gaming funds in its capital expenditure account for the Eufaula Casino Project. Rep. Randall Hicks sponsored the bill, which was unanimously approved for do pass 4-0.
Due to inflation and an influx of materials costs for the project, MNGE is requesting approval to deposit an additional ten million dollars for the Eufaula Casino Project. A feasibility study showed the market analysis for a new casino and hotel in Eufaula would provide superior visibility and access compared to competing casinos within a one-hour drive. It is also projected to boost current revenues from the casino.
NCA 23-007 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of the Borealis Philanthropy Racial Equity in Journalism Fund Grant for the benefit of the Mvskoke Media. Rep. Randolph sponsored the bill, which was unanimously approved for do pass 4-0.
The $100,000.00 grant will be used for staff to attend three conferences, purchase various computer desktops/equipment, enter into an agreement with Hootsuite for social media management, and enter into an agreement with two producers to produce 12 religious and cultural episodes.
For video of committee meetings, visit www.mcnnc.com.