Gunnar Benson

The Rules Committee meeting primarily focused on the Automobile Tag Implementation Act amendments. The Attorney General discussed ongoing issues and requested the committee table the matter until the October 31st meeting to allow time for further consultation with all councilors regarding potential amendments or additions to the legislation. The goal is to pass an act that enables the sale of car tags to commence on the targeted date of November 1st, although December 1st is the contingency date if the necessary legislation is not passed by October 31st. Preparations are underway by the Tax Commission, contingent on the passage of the legislation.

Key discussions focused on the Photo Voice project, which displays posters illustrating the uniqueness of the Cherokee enrollment program. Significant time was dedicated to financial matters concerning Home Care Services, including a resolution authorizing reimbursement for non-funded and underfunded services, and another resolution authorizing funding for Cherokee Nation Home Health Services Life Care Program. Concerns were raised regarding reimbursement rates, the volume of uncompensated care from citizens without adequate payer sources (Medicare/Medicaid), and potential financial sustainability. The committee discussed personnel needs, specifically the recruitment and retention of doctors and dentists for clinics and hospitals, noting the start date of a new medical director and potential staff expansion plans. There was also discussion about transportation policies for Cherokee patients and a potential long-term strategy involving collaboration between Health and Home Health areas to utilize federal health dollars and reduce reliance on carry-forward funds.

The Resource Committee meeting included an invocation and roll call. Old business addressed questions regarding the veteran service center project contract awardee and the qualifications for a major Cherokee employer, involving definitions from Executive Order 12-10 CS and verification procedures. Reports covered the progress of the veteran service center, vendor utilization, and the near completion of a comprehensive energy policy for the tribe, expected by September 30th. Construction was noted to be starting this week on the CNG filling station project. Discussions also took place regarding environmental concerns, specifically blue-green algae in the Illinois River, nutrient loading from severe prior rain and subsequent drought conditions, and data comparability with state/federal partners, including testing for total phosphorus, total nitrogen, and turbidity. Real Estate Services reported on the status of the Claremore Federal Building issue, indicating a lack of response after sending a letter. The landfill status was reported as good, with plans to engineer a liner in the low spot between cells three and four to provide additional storage space. Announcements included a reminder for an executive legislative conference and notification that the next meeting is scheduled for August 21st.

The meeting began with the administration of the oath of office and quorum confirmation, followed by the principal chief's State of the Nation report. Key legislative discussions included the impending approval of the Durbin Feeling Language Act, which allocates $16 million for the Cherokee language preservation, and the Career Readiness Act, set to double investment in career training, trades, and healthcare positions. The Chief also highlighted the recent soft opening of the new outpatient facility at the W W Hastings campus and announced upcoming at-large meetings in California. Additionally, a CNI employee, Becky Grimm, was recognized for her heroic act of saving a young girl during a parade. The session also featured the honoring of several Tribal veterans from the World War II, Korean War, and peacetime conflicts with various awards and recognitions. Furthermore, the CEO of Cherokee Nation Businesses reported on July financial performance, noting over $378,000 in non-dividend contributions to the Nation and maintaining a 76% Native employment rate across the workforce. Volunteers, including leadership, participated in packing food for the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma.

The meeting included an invocation and subsequent roll call confirmed a quorum. Reports covered Career Services, including an invitation to the Job Corp 30-year anniversary events, discussions on developing a trucking program pad on leased land, and updates on collaboration regarding Boys and Girls Clubs across 14 counties, including scheduling a meeting and a hog fry. There were updates on football program participation and the appointment of a staff member to the United States Department of Labor Native American Employment and Training Council. Reports also detailed the status of GED site location information and the start of new training programs such as security guard training and hospitality training for casino operations. Discussions addressed employee layoffs at local businesses, including B Warner, Gates Rubber, and World, and efforts to coordinate job fairs and retraining opportunities in response. The Director's Report introduced new personnel and outlined the preparation of a comprehensive report on higher education matters, including an analysis of dropout rates for a specific program. New business featured a presentation on the Cherokee Scholars Program, which is mirrored after the Oklahoma Scholars Program to incentivize rigorous coursework in math and science. Announcements included the upcoming Cherokee Language Bowl competition.