The Eighth Osage Nation Congress convened for its 6th Special Session June 29 to consider several budgetary matters.
Principal Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear issued an Executive Proclamation calling for the special session in accordance with the 2006 Osage Constitution. The special session and any scheduled Congressional Committee meetings will be held in the ON Capitol Building in Pawhuska.
According to the proclamation, the 12-member Congress will consider at least two appropriation bills seeking budget amendments. Those bills on file include:
- ONCA 23-66 (sponsored by Congresswoman Jodie Revard) is “An Act to amend ONCA 22-94 to provide appropriation modifications and supplemental appropriations to the Executive Branch in the amount of $1,542,830 of Non-Tribal funds. The bill comprises several Executive Branch entities, which are receiving non-tribal funds, which includes grant funding resources. Those entities receiving additional funding include: Breastfeeding Peer Counseling; the Nation’s Child Support Department; Law Enforcement; a Department of Human Services Stabilization Grant in Fairfax, Hominy, Pawhuska and Skiatook; New Beginnings – Department of Natural Resources; New Beginnings – Education Department; Office of Self Governance; Noxious Weed; Resident Opportunity and Support Services; Senior Farmers Market (American Rescue Plan Act funds); Transportation; and WIC.
- ONCA 23-67 (Revard) is “An Act to amend ONCA 22-95 to provide a supplemental appropriation to the Executive Branch in the amount of $5,000. According to the bill, Osage Casinos is donating $5,000 to Daposka Ahnkodapi, which is the Nation’s private school.
Congressional special sessions may last up to 10 days and may be extended up to three additional days at two-thirds of Congress members’ written request. Otherwise, Congress members can motion and vote to adjourn a special session once all legislative business is deemed complete.
For more Congressional information on sessions, committees and to view filed legislative bills/ resolutions, visit the Legislative Branch website at: https://www.osagenation-nsn.gov/who-we-are/legislative-branch