by Muskogee Politico - October 24, 2020 at 02:18PM
OCPA column: Leaders in all fields raise alarm on McGirt decision
Click this headline to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico
Leaders in all fields raise alarm on McGirt decision
By Jonathan Small
Numerous leaders in many fields are raising the alarm about the repercussions of the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision in McGirt v. Oklahoma, which declared the Muscogee (Creek) Nation’s reservation was never disestablished.
Those critiques highlight why Oklahoma and tribal governments must agree to a uniform set of rules and regulations for all citizens, no matter where they live or their heritage. To do otherwise will not only produce chaos but also drive jobs and opportunity out of the state.
While McGirt dealt with only one tribe and one issue (criminal prosecution), it is expected to extend to five tribes with territories covering 40 percent of Oklahoma that are home to 1.8 million citizens, most of them non-Indian, and affect issues including taxes and regulation.
In a letter to the state’s congressional delegation, the Oklahoma Farm Bureau notes that, because of McGirt, non-tribal citizens potentially face new taxes if they own property in reservation territory. And businesses in affected areas, including farms and ranches, may face new tribal zoning or environmental regulations added on top of existing state and local ordinances.
by Muskogee Politico - October 24, 2020 at 02:18PM OCPA column: Leaders in all fields raise alarm on McGirt decision Click this headline to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
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