OKMULGEE, Oklahoma – A Muscogee (Creek) Nation National Business, Finance, and Justice meeting was held Jan. 20 via teleconference.
All passed legislation is subject to the full council approval during the Jan. 29 Quarterly Session.
BFJ addressed the following legislation, the interpretation of which is attributed to language in the bills:
TR 22-008 Authorizing the Gaming Operations Authority Board to deposit additional funds in the MCNC Insurance Reserve Fund. Representative Patrick Freeman sponsored the legislation, which passed 4-0.
The MCN casinos shut down due to the pandemic in 2020 causing a loss of generating funds. Prior to the pandemic, the River Spirit Casino experienced a flood leaving in damages in the amount of 28.2 million. Insurance only covered 13.6 million.
Insurance renewals went up over 200% from previous year’s renewal and cost $2,719,629.00 more than last year’s premium.
According to Corps of Engineers, a flood event will likely occur in the next ten years as the rivers flow increases.
GOAB wishes to fund the Insurance Reserve Fund with 7.5 million dollars in preparation of future natural disasters.
TR 22-009 Authorizing the Principal Chief to execute a Security Agreement between the MCN and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families Office of Child Support Enforcement. Rep. Sandra Golden sponsored the legislation, which passed 4-0.
The MCN Office of Child Support Enforcement seeks to support the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families Office of Child Support Enforcement efforts to ensure the security of Federal Parent Locator Service Systems that transmit, store and process FPLS information and confidential Child Support program information.
The security agreement affirms the confidentiality and security of information and complies with all management, operational, and technical controls listed.
TR 22-010 Authorizing the Principal Chief to submit a U.S. Department of the Treasury State Small Business Credit Initiative Grant Application for the benefit for the MCN Department of Commerce. Rep. Golden sponsored the legislation, which passed 4-0.
The Nation has been informed on the availability of grant funding from the U.S. Department of the Treasury for the State Small Business Crest Initiative. The Nation is in need of this funding for small businesses and investment programs. Present budget controls within the Executive Branch would be applied to the MCN Department State Small Business Credit Initiative Grant.
The grant funds of in the amount of $18,971,288 will provide funding for small businesses and investment programs.
NCA 22-004 Authorizing acceptance and expenditure of grant funds from the Office of Justice Programs Smart Prosecution-Innovative Prosecution Solutions Benefitting the Office of the Attorney General. Rep. Mark Randolph sponsored the legislation, which passed 4-0.
The MCN Office of Attorney General is in receipt of grant funds from the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs in the amount of $183,864. This act will accept and expend those funds.
Acting Attorney General Kyle Haskins claims the grant will allow the staff at the Office of the Attorney General to receive training, support, and resources.
NCA 22-005 Authorizing the expenditure of the District Attorney’s Council 2021 JAG-LLE Grant award for the benefit of the MCN Lighthorse Police Department. Rep. Mark Randolph sponsored the legislation, which passed 4-0.
The grant funds in the amount of $9,038 will be used to purchase five Microsoft Surface Pros, five UAG Rugged Cases and five Microsoft Surface Pro X Keyboards with trackpads.
In other business, the Committee dealt matters concerning GOAB, Muscogee Nation Business Enterprise, Muscogee International, LLC, and One Fire Holding Company, LLC during an Executive Session that was motioned by Rep. Randall Hicks.
Full agendas and meetings can be viewed at: www.mcnnc.com.
