Morgan Taylor/Reporter
OKMULGEE, Oklahoma – A Muscogee (Creek) Nation National Business, Finance and Justice meeting was held July 26 at the Mound Building in Okmulgee.
All passed legislation is subject to the full council approval during the regular session.
BFJ addressed the following legislation, the interpretation of which is attributed to language in the bills:
TR 21-107 Confirming the nomination of Barry W. Brandon to serve on the Public Gaming Commission. Representative James Jennings sponsored the legislation which passed 2-1 with Rep. Robert Hufft voted against the nomination.
MCN law authorizes one member of the PGC to be appointed and confirmed by National Council. The National Council nominated Barry W. Brandon, a Muscogee citizen to serve on the Public Gaming Commission. Term will begin upon confirmation of full council and expire July 31, 2025.
NCA 21-085 Authorizing the expenditure of the 2021 United States Department of Treasury-Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI) Rapid Response Program Grant for the benefit of the Mvskoke Loan Fund. Representative Adam Jones III sponsored the legislation, which passed 3-0.
The Mvskoke Loan Fund was awarded grant funding in the amount of $324,000.00 to provide lending capital to respond to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in distressed and undeserved communities and people.
During Other Business in the agenda, the following legislation was introduced:
NCA 21-086 Authorizing the expenditure of grant funds from the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Tribal Justice Support for program services. Rep. Robert Hufft sponsored the legislation, which passed 3-0.
The BIA grant funds in the amount of $650,872.00 was awarded to the MCN District Court for judicial support and enhancement.
The funds would help the MCN District Court to enhance tribal court services in light of the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision to accommodate the docket increase and the need to enhance communication with the public.
NCA 21-087 Authorizing a budget modification in excess of 10 percent for the District Court fiscal year 2021 budget. Hufft sponsored the legislation, which passed 3-0.
The modification would help the District Court with court system management licensing for the rest of the fiscal year.
