MVSKOKE RESERVATION- On Dec. 3, 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 24-139 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation confirming the nomination of Ramona Roberts to serve on the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Election Board passed with a vote of 3-1. Representative Joyce Deere sponsored the legislation.
Principal Chief David Hill nominated Ramona Roberts to serve on the MCN Election Board- Position 2. If approved, Robert’s term will expire on May 31, 2028. During discussion, Roberts stated that she wants to make a positive change and help promote elections among the young and the old. Roberts also stated she has brainstormed different incentives, like free t-shirts, to get voter participation up.
TR 24-140 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the Principal Chief to execute a master service agreement with COXCom, llc for the benefit of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Health passed with a vote of 4-0. Representative Mary Crawford sponsored the legislation.
COXCom is an internet provider. The master service agreement will allow MCNDH to consolidate and standardize existing and future service agreements. The agreement contains a limited waiver of sovereign immunity. During discussion, MCNDH Attorney Spencer Torbett stated that while it contains a waiver, it stipulates use of MCN governing law and the MCN Court System.
NCA 24-148 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of grant funds in the amount of $186,507 awarded from the Indian Health Services, HIV/HCV/Syphilis Epidemic Project grant was postponed with a vote of 4-0 until Jan 2025. Rep. Crawford sponsored the legislation.
The grant would enhance patient care coordination, patient navigation, treatment, retention care, and prevention services, and increase training and support services available to patients. The legislation was postponed previously during the Nov 5 HEW committee. There was no discussion.
NCA 24-155 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of grant funds in the amount of $409,213 awarded from the United States Department of Agriculture and appropriating a tribal match for the benefit of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Food Distribution Program passed with a vote of 4-0. Representative Anna Marshall sponsored the legislation.
The MCN Food Distribution Program received a USDA grant with a tribal match for $81,843. The funds will provide income eligible American Indian households on the MCN Reservation food and will cover administrative costs. It will be sent to BFJ for funding.
NCA 24-156 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of the Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program funds in the amount of $308,761 for the benefit of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Social Services Program passed with a vote of 4-0. Representative Leonard Gouge sponsored the legislation.
Funds from this grant will cover the costs of cooling, heating, and crisis funds to benefit low income families.
NCA 24-157 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of grant funds awarded from the Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families in the amount of $368,500 for the benefit of the Children and Family Services Administration passed with a vote of 4-0. It was sponsored by Rep. Gouge.
The Children and Family Services Administration received a FY 2025 Title IV-b, subpart 1 Stephanie Tubbs Jones Child Welfare Services of the Social Security Act grant based on a tribal match from the Children and Family Services tribal budget in the amount of $127,311.07. The funds will be used to promote and protect the welfare of children, and provide training and professional development to the workforce. Michele Bender from CFSA stated that the grant has helped 132 families.
NCA 24-158 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of grant funds in the amount of $480,000 awarded from the Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families for the benefit of the Children and Family Services Administration passed with a vote of 4-0. It was sponsored by Rep. Gouge.
The Children and Family Services Administration received a FY 2025 Title IV-b, subpart 2 Mary Lee Allen Promoting Safe and Stable Families Program grant based on a tribal match from the Children and Family Services tribal budget in the amount of $570,937. The funds will be used to operate integrated preventative family preservation services and community based family support services for at risk families in crisis.
NCA 24-159 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of grant funds in the amount of $6,974,270 awarded from the Department of Health and Human Services Administration for children and families for the benefit of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Office of Child Care passed with a vote of 4-0. It was sponsored by Rep. Crawford.
Grant funds will be utilized for day to day activities and direct services to child care providers and families.
NCA 24-160 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure in the amount of $172,338 of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) fiscal relief funding to purchase radio equipment for the benefit of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Emergency Management and Emergency Medical Services Departments passed with a vote of 4-0. Representative Yahola-Osborn sponsored the legislation.
ARPA SLFRF funds will be utilized to purchase 24 radios, four six-bay charging stations, and 4 XL-200 mobile from L3 Harris.
NCA 24-164 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 until Feb 2025. Rep Osborn sponsored and Representative Dode Barnett co-sponsored the legislation.
This legislation 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. There was no discussion.
To view the full agenda, visit mcnnc.com.
