MVSKOKE RESERVATION- On Feb. 11, the Health, Education, and Welfare Committee held an in-person meeting. Passed legislation will go on to the next full council meeting, unless otherwise noted.
The committee addressed the following legislation, the interpretation of which is attributed to language in the bills:
TR 25-015 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation amending TR 19-076 (a tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation to suspend all special appropriations and donations) as amended by TRS 20-150, 21-080, 22-128, 22-143, 22-150, 22-155, 22-170, 23-045, 23-066, 23-096, 24-005, 24-095, 24-104 and 24-113 passed with a vote of 4-0. Representative Anna Marshall sponsored the legislation.
The amendment will allow a MCN donation to Muscogee (Creek) elders to attend the 25th conference on the National Indian Council on Aging, INC.
NCA 25-014 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation repealing MCNCA title 35, chapter 9, entitled “special appropriations guidelines” and amending MCNCA title 35, chapter 12, entitled “donations” was postponed with a vote of 4-0. Representative Thomasene Yahola Osborn sponsored and Representative Dode Barnett co-sponsored the legislation.
This legislation was introduced to committee in 2024 as NCA 24-164 and was postponed until 2025. It repeals MCNA Title 35, Chapter 9: Special Appropriations Guidelines in its totality and amends MCNA Title 35, Chapter 12: Donations. The amendment deletes donations to charities and organizations and adds support in the amount of $500 per year to K-12 private or public teachers who are MCN citizens. The appropriation total is $415,000, and a funding source was not identified. The legislation specifies the amount will be added to the MCN FY 2026 budget and annually thereafter. It is postponed until March. There was no discussion.
NCA 25-020 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of grant funds in the amount of $16,000 awarded from the United States Department of the Interior Bureau of Indian Affairs for the benefit of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Head Start passed with a vote of 4-0. Rep. Marshall sponsored the legislation.
The MCN Head Start Program received an Indian Highway Safety Program Child Passenger Safety Grant. The funds will be used to purchase approximately 125 car seats, car clinic signs, traffic cones, sandwich boards, portable canopies, latch manuals, pool noodles, and brochures for training clinics.
NCA 25-021 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of grant funds in the amount of $291,001 awarded from the United States Department of Agriculture for the benefit of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Food Distribution Program passed with a vote of 4-0. Rep. Marshall sponsored the legislation.
According to the legislation, the grant funds will be used to purchase a Sygnal FDP system that supports multiple issuance models as an alternative system. The new software is recommended by the USDA.
NCA 25-022 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing a supplemental appropriation in the amount of $20,000 to the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Veterans Affairs Services Office (VASO) FY 2025 budget passed with a vote of 4-0 and will be sent to BFJ. Representative Leonard Gouge sponsored the legislation.
VASO is requisitioning a supplemental appropriation to purchase vests to honor MCN veterans.
NCA 25-027 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing a special appropriation in the amount of $18,000 to assist Muscogee (Creek) elders attending the National Indian Council on Aging, INC. (NICOA) conference passed with a vote of 4-0 and will be sent to BFJ. Rep. Marshall sponsored the legislation.
The 2025 NICOA conference will take place in Durant, Okla. from Sept 29-Oct 3. The appropriation is for lodging expenses for 60 elders in 30 rooms.
To view the full agenda, visit mcnnc.com.
