Indian compacts

Sunday, September 28th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Leaders of a business coalition say Governor Brad Henry should consider the impact new tribal tobacco compacts will have on state revenues and non-tribal businesses.

One Nation Executive Director Stacy Shelton says the interests of all Oklahomans -- including those who work in privately owned grocery and convenience stores -- should be considered.

Several of the compacts expire September 30th.

Leaders from several tribes have said they want existing compacts extended under their current terms. Henry wants the tribes to pay a higher tax if the state increases its own tobacco tax.

Mike Thornbrugh -- manager of public and governmental affairs for QuikTrip Corporation -- says tribes should have to remit county and city sales taxes as well as the state tax.

He says the tax should be equal and all Oklahomans should benefit from better education, roads, police and fire protection.