MVSKOKE RESERVATION – On Jan 21, the Health, Education, and Wellness committee and the Land, Natural Resources, and Cultural Resources committee held a joint meeting in person. Passed legislation will go on to full council, unless otherwise noted.
The committee addressed the following legislation, the interpretation of which is attributed to language in the bills:
TR 25-009 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the renovation/construction of a smoke shop for the Checotah Indian Community passed with a vote of 5-4. Representative Darrell Proctor sponsored and Representative Galen Cloud co-sponsored the legislation.
The Checotah Indian Community Texanna Smoke Shop at 419781 Texanna Road, Checotah, Oklahoma is in need of renovation/construction. During discussion, Representative Mark Randoplp asked if an $85,000 loan to the community was paid off. Community representative Donna Williams responded that the payments are in good standing and the balance can be paid off if needed to secure the renovation funding. Rep. Proctor commented that the community has been working with tribal construction and has a current business plan.
NCA 25-019 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing an appropriation in the amount of $654,995 for the renovation of a smoke shop for the Checotah Indian Community failed with a vote of 3-6. Rep. Proctor sponsored and Rep. Cloud co-sponsored the legislation.
During discussion, Representative Dode Barnett commented that with a 3 month compact set to expire it would be irresponsible to pass the legislation. Representative Mary Crawford mentioned the amount in the resolution is different from the amount in the authorization legislation. General Counsel for the MCNNC, Kyle Haskins recommended tabling the legislation until it is amended to reflect the correct amount.
To view the full agenda, visit: mcnnc.com.
