Current:Home > FinanceTribal sovereignty among the top issues facing Oklahoma governor and Legislature-Angel Dreamer Wealth Society D1 Reviews & Insights
Tribal sovereignty among the top issues facing Oklahoma governor and Legislature
View Date:2024-12-23 23:59:55
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! (2)
Related
- Disease could kill most of the ‘ohi‘a forests on Hawaii’s Big Island within 20 years
- Jimmy Kimmel talks about that Trump dig at star-studded after party; Billie Eilish rocks socks
- Vanessa Hudgens Shows Off Baby Bump in Sheer Look at Vanity Fair Party
- Kate Middleton Breaks Silence on Edited Family Photo Controversy
- Jack Del Rio leaving Wisconsin’s staff after arrest on charge of operating vehicle while intoxicated
- Demi Moore and Her Daughters Could Be Quadruplets at 2024 Oscars After-Party
- Oscars 2024 winners list: See who's taking home Academy Award gold in live time
- Brutally honest reviews of Oscar best song performances, including Ryan Gosling
- Fantasy football buy low, sell high: 10 trade targets for Week 11
- Jessica Alba and Cash Warren's 2024 Oscars Party Date Night Is Sweeter Than Honey
Ranking
- Sister Wives’ Janelle Brown Alleges Ex Kody Made False Claims About Family’s Finances
- Da'Vine Joy Randolph's Emotional 2024 Oscars Speech Will Make You Tear Up
- Oscars 2024: Julia Fox Stuns in Nipple-Bearing Look For Elton John’s Watch Party
- 2024 relief pitcher rankings: Stable closers are back in vogue
- Jimmy Kimmel, more late-night hosts 'shocked' by Trump Cabinet picks: 'Goblins and weirdos'
- Sean Ono Lennon wishes mom Yoko Ono a happy Mother's Day at the Oscars
- Best dressed at the Oscars 2024: Lupita Nyong'o, America Ferrera, Zendaya, more dazzling fashion looks
- Oscars 2024: Jimmy Kimmel Just Wondered if Bradley Cooper Is Actually Dating His Mom Gloria
Recommendation
-
Dogecoin soars after Trump's Elon Musk announcement: What to know about the cryptocurrency
-
Why Christina Applegate Is “Kind of in Hell” Amid Battle With Multiple Sclerosis
-
USWNT defeats Brazil to win inaugural Concacaf W Gold Cup
-
Caitlin Clark needs a break before NCAA tournament begins
-
Walmart Planned to Remove Oven Before 19-Year-Old Employee's Death
-
Jessica Alba and Cash Warren's 2024 Oscars Party Date Night Is Sweeter Than Honey
-
Florida rivals ask courts to stop online sports gambling off tribal lands
-
Jamie Lee Curtis was In-N-Out of the Oscars, left early for a burger after presenting award