OKMULGEE, Oklahoma – A Muscogee (Creek) Nation National Council Health, Education and Welfare/Land, Natural Resources and Cultural Preservation Joint Committee was held July 26 at the Mound Building.
All passed legislation is subject to full council approval during the regular session.
Representative Joseph Hicks abstained from the vote on minutes of approval.
The joint committee addressed the following legislation, the interpretation of which is attributed to language in the bills:
TR 22-131 authorizing the Principal Chief to execute a United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program electronic application for the MCN Looped Square retail store. Representative Galen Cloud sponsored the resolution, which passed 9-0.
The Nation desires to participate in the SNAP program at the Looped Square Retail Store and must submit an electronic application and abide by the guidelines.
The SNAP program may also be referred to as EBT (electronic banking transfer), otherwise known as Food stamps.
MCN Department of Agriculture Director Trent Kissee said the agreement would add more revenue. Implementing the SNAP/EBT program in retail has been in progress for several months.
“They had a few issues with us not being owned by an individual and not being a corporation,” Kissee said. “If it passes, gets this signed, it should be about 30 days, and we will able to accept those benefits at the retail store.”
This a developing story.
