The Eighth Osage Nation Congress is convening for its 11th Special Session starting at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 27 in Pawhuska.
A written legislative proclamation signed by more than two-thirds of the 12-member Congress is calling for the special session as allowed by the 2006 Osage Constitution. For this special session, Congress plans to consider passing legislation to repurpose building project funds previously appropriated, which would go toward planning for a new building to house the Wahzhazhe Cultural Center and Language Department entities.
In January, the Main Street building – known as the Heritage Center – housed the two entities side-by-side in Pawhuska, but the employees and operations are now in temporary locations after the building sustained damage due to the frigid winter temperatures. With the building situation moved up as a priority due to the damages, Congress is scheduled to consider appropriation legislation to address the situation.
During the final day of the 10th Special Session on Feb. 7, Congressional Speaker Alice Goodfox informed the Congress of the upcoming special session after enough signatures were received for the proclamation.
According to the agenda, the legislative items up for Special Session consideration are:
– ONCA 24-29 (sponsored by Congressman Joe Tillman) is “An Act to repeal ONCA 23-65 and return two $200,000 to the General Fund originally appropriated for a fire suppression system at the Cultural Center.”
– ONCA 24-30 (sponsored by Congresswoman Brandy Lemon) is “An Act to repeal ONCA 22-112 and return $500,000 to the Property Income Account originally appropriated for improvements to the Osage Nation Legislative Branch Office Building.”
– ONCA 24-31 (sponsored by Second Speaker Pam Shaw) is “An Act to amend ONCA 23-85 to provide a supplemental appropriation to the Executive Branch in the amount of $174,675 for Gaming Enterprise Board.”
– ONCR 24-12 (Shaw) is “A Resolution to revise the compensation and reimbursement allowance for the Boards and Commissions of the Osage Nation for fiscal years 2023 and 2024.”
For more ON Congressional information on sessions, committees and to view filed legislative documents, visit the Legislative Branch website at: https://www.osagenation-nsn.gov/who-we-are/legislative-branch
