Current:Home > StocksTribal sovereignty among the top issues facing Oklahoma governor and Legislature-LoTradeCoin
Tribal sovereignty among the top issues facing Oklahoma governor and Legislature
View Date:2024-12-23 20:28:37
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Tribal sovereignty is expected to again be a top issue facing lawmakers and Gov. Kevin Stitt as they return on Monday to begin the 2024 legislative session.
Stitt, a Republican and himself a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, has had a contentious relationship with tribal leaders that began with a dispute during his first year in office over casino revenue and has worsened with conflict over agreements on tobacco sales, motor vehicle tags, taxes and criminal jurisdiction.
The governor, now in his second term, has been a frequent critic of expanded tribal sovereignty and of the landmark 2020 U.S. Supreme Court decision that determined state prosecutors lack criminal jurisdiction over certain crimes committed in Indian Country.
In an interview with The Associated Press last week, Stitt said his role is to represent all 4 million Oklahomans and not allow tribal citizens to have an unfair advantage. He believes that could happen if the Oklahoma Supreme Court rules in favor of a Native American woman who claims she doesn’t have to pay state income taxes because she lives and works on a tribal reservation.
“There’s no way I would be doing my job as governor if I said: ‘Oh, African Americans pay taxes, white people and Asians (pay taxes), but American Indians don’t,’” Stitt said. “It’s like I’m in a twilight zone having to explain this to people.”
Stitt will deliver his State of the State address to the Legislature on Monday and release his proposed spending plan for the fiscal year that begins July 1.
Last year the Legislature convened in special session to override the governor’s veto of a bill to extend agreements on tribal tobacco sales and motor vehicle tags and the issue is expected to surface again in the session beginning Monday.
Many lawmakers hope the relationship between the tribes and Stitt has thawed somewhat following a deal the governor reached last month with the Chickasaw Nation for a 10-year agreement.
“I see it as a very good indication that the state and the tribes will be able to work together,” said Sen. Brent Howard, chairman of the Joint Committee on State-Tribal relations.
Among the other issues lawmakers are expected to tackle is a possible income tax cut, a top priority for Stitt. The House approved a 0.25% reduction in the rate last week, but Senate leaders have said such a move is premature since final revenue numbers haven’t been released.
veryGood! (721)
Related
- As CFP rankings punish SEC teams, do we smell bias against this proud and mighty league?
- Lighthouse where walkway collapse injured visitors to remain closed for indefinite amount of time
- 'We weren't quitting': How 81-year-old cancer survivor conquered Grand Canyon's rim-to-rim hike
- Watch brave farmer feed 10,000 hungry crocodiles fresh meat every day
- MLS playoff teams set: Road to MLS Cup continues with conference semifinals
- Inside Bachelor Nation's Hannah Godwin and Dylan Barbour's Rosy Honeymoon
- Flooding in eastern Libya after weekend storm leaves 2,000 people feared dead
- 3 Key Things About Social Security That Most Americans Get Dead Wrong
- Tesla Cybertruck modifications upgrade EV to a sci-fi police vehicle
- Lahaina high school team pushes ahead with season to give Maui community hope
Ranking
- Brands Our Editors Are Thankful For in 2024
- Spectrum TV users get ESPN, Disney channels back ahead of 'Monday Night Football' debut
- 9/11 memorial events mark 22 years since the attacks and remember those who died
- Starbucks gave trans employees a lifeline. Then they put our health care at risk.
- California researchers discover mysterious, gelatinous new sea slug
- AP PHOTOS: Humpback whales draw thousands of visitors to a small port on Colombia’s Pacific coast
- What is the healthiest drink to order at Starbucks? How to make the menu fit your goals.
- Michigan Catholic group wins zoning fight over display of Stations of the Cross
Recommendation
-
Manhattan rooftop fire sends plumes of dark smoke into skyline
-
How Paul Walker's Beautiful Bond With Daughter Meadow Walker Lives On
-
Alabama Barker Praises “Hot Mama” Kourtney Kardashian’s Latest Pregnancy Pics
-
Bosnia court confirms charges against Bosnian Serb leader Dodik for defying top international envoy
-
College Football Playoff bracket: Complete playoff picture after latest rankings
-
Attention morning glories! This habit is essential to start the day: How to make a bed
-
Effort to restrict public’s access to Arkansas records stumbles at start of legislative session
-
'He will kill again': With Rachel Morin's killer still at large, Maryland officials sound alarm