In the 13th and final special session for the Seventh Osage Nation Congress, the legislative members approved appropriation bills including increases in pay for the summer youth and adult workforce program.
On June 16, Congress approved bill ONCA 22-63 (sponsored by Congressman Scott BigHorse) “to authorize and appropriate $1 million to the Financial Assistance Department with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for the Summer Youth and Workforce Development Programs.”
Financial Assistance Department Director Andrea Kemble said she is noticing a high increase in individuals seeking employment through her department, which also seeks to help people develop workforce skills. With the increase in workers, Kemble’s department requested the supplemental increase to keep up with the program demand and administration costs.
The program helps Osage and Native American adults and youth seek jobs, especially those who lack job skills or those having difficulty attaining employment, Kemble said.
According to a fiscal analysis of the bill, the ARPA funding would be used to fund the program through the end of the 2023 fiscal year. The program is serving 123 youth (108 Osages) and 75 adults in the current 2022 fiscal year.
The bill passed 11-0 with one absence that day from Congressman Eli Potts.
Also, during the special session, Congress passed bill ONCA 22-64 (sponsored by Congressional Speaker Angela Pratt), which is a $71,700 appropriation and donation toward planning a bus trip to Washington, D.C. for the formal dedication of the National Native American Veterans Memorial in November 2022.
Pratt sponsored the bill with funds sourced from a private donation line item. Located outdoors on the grounds of the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, the Native American Veterans Memorial comprises a stainless-steel circle placed over a carved stone drum and includes water features and benches surrounding in a circle pattern for visitors to gather, remember and reflect.
The bill passed 11-0 and was signed into law by Principal Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear with other passed legislation.
