Office Of Rep. Chuck Hoskin
An amendment to HB2563, by Rep. Chuck Hoskin, D-Vinita, was approved today by the House by a vote of 62-19. The amendment would give Native American tribes a greater voice at the Capitol by elevating the Oklahoma Native American Liaison to a cabinet-level position.
“I am thrilled that the House approved my amendment, which will ensure that the Native American tribes have an appropriate level of input at the Capitol,” said Rep. Hoskin. “By approving this bill, as amended, we have recognized the importance of a partnership between the tribes and state government.”
The bill itself would eliminate the blood requirement for the Native American Liaison now in law, and require the liaison to be a member of a federally-recognized tribe. The bill with the amendment passed 83-2.
With the huge economic impact the tribes have on the state, said Rep. Hoskin, it is important that there be a cabinet-level position to inform the Governor on tribal affairs.
“Contrary to the concerns of some of my colleagues, we are not hamstringing the Governor. She is free to appoint whomever she wishes to the position, as long as that person is a member of a federally-recognized tribe. That gives her a lot of flexibility, and this cabinet member will ultimately be a valuable resource for the Governor.”
The Native American Liaison, as a cabinet member, would directly advise the Governor on policy issues related to Native American affairs in the state and inform the legislature on those issues as well.
“This bill as amended will strengthen the government-to-government relationship between the tribes and the state of Oklahoma,” said Rep. Hoskin. “With the huge economic and cultural contributions the tribes make to the state, I think this position is crucial, especially after the elimination of the Indian Affairs Commission last year. This will return to the tribes much influence on policymaking that affects them.”
