OKMULKE, Oklv. – The Muscogee (Creek) Nation National Council held a Health, Education and Welfare committee meeting Mar. 12.
The Council addressed the following legislation, the interpretation of which is attributed to language in the bills:
TR 24-031 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation (MCN) confirming the nomination of Lucinda Myers to serve on the MCN election board. Representative Thomasene Yahola Osborn sponsored the legislation, which passed 4-0. This will be presented to the full council at the regular session.
If confirmed, Lucinda Myers (Mvskoke) will serve position three on the MCN Election Board.
TR 24-032 A tribal resolution of the MCN authorizing the Principal Chief to submit a 2023 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program Grant to the Department of Homeland Security for the benefit of the Office of Emergency Management. Representative Anna Marshall sponsored the legislation, which was postponed indefinitely 4-0.
This proposal is requesting $158,407 in grant funds to purchase protective equipment for six people and for interoperable communications.
TR 24-033 A tribal resolution of the MCN authorizing the Principal Chief to execute a cooperative agreement with the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services on behalf of the MCN Vocational Rehabilitation Services Program. Representative Mary Crawford sponsored the legislation, which passed 4-0. This will be presented to the full council at the regular session.
The Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services has a cooperative agreement with the Vocational Rehabilitation Services Program, which will now provide joint case services. These joint case services will assist with eligibility within the Vocational Rehabilitation Services Program.
TR 24-034 A tribal resolution of the MCN amending TR 19-076 (A tribal resolution of the MCN to 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 22-170, TR 23-045, TR 23-066, TR 23-096 and TR 24-005. Representative Mark Randolph sponsored the legislation, which passed 4-0. This will be presented to the full council at the regular session.
The bill will add another exception to special appropriations to include KH Heavenly Corporation if NCA 24-022 is enacted.
NCA 24-020 A law of the MCN authorizing a supplemental appropriation to the MCN Disaster Assistance Program Fiscal Year 2023 budget. Rep. Marshall sponsored the legislation, which passed 4-0. This will be presented to the full council at the regular session.
The MCN Disaster Assistance Program will increase the Disaster Assistance budget line item to continue assisting eligible applicants for the remainder of the fiscal year. The appropriation will provide $650,000 to the budget.
NCA 24-021 A law of the MCN authorizing the MCN Department of Health to create a new budget for the health system and authorizing the Principal Chief to expend MCN Department of Health third party, Indian Health Service (IHS), and opioid funds for the MCN Health System. Representative Joyce C. Deere sponsored the legislation, which passed 4-0. This will be presented to the full council at the regular session.
This new budget will be created from the Third Party, IHS and Opioid funds. According to the bill, It will expand health services and give access to healthcare in MCN Hospitals, Clinics and Programs. The new budget will total $25,236,940.
NCA 24-022 A law of the MCN authorizing a donation to the KH Heavenly Corporation. Rep. Randolph sponsored the legislation, which passed 4-0. This will be presented to the full council at the regular session.
Kelci Howell (KH) (Mvskoke) passed away in 2019, the “KH Heavenly Corporation” was named after her in her memory. The nonprofit has hosted an annual rodeo for the past three years. KH brings awareness to important mental health topics and spreads kindness towards others that Howell once did herself. KH will receive $2,000 for expenses for the 4th annual KH Heavenly Rodeo.
NCA 24-024 A law of the MCN authorizing a supplemental appropriation for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Head Start Program fiscal year 2024 budget. Rep. Deere sponsored the legislation, which passed 4-0. This will be presented to the full council at the regular session.
The MCN Head Start Program has requested $25,603, which will go towards the program to increase salaries and fringe line items.
For further information, visit: https://www.mcnnc.com.
