Oklahoma Democrats, Tribal Leaders Respond To Gov. Stitt's Speech

There was a lot of applause for Gov. Stitt throughout his speech on Monday but not everyone agreed with the governor including some tribal leaders and Oklahoma Democrats.

Stitt once again called for clarity after the Supreme Court's tribal jurisdiction ruling in 2020. Stitt says some tribal nations are calling for members to not pay state income taxes and there are questions about jurisdictional power over traffic violations in Tulsa.

Related Story: Should Tribal Members Be Exempt From Income Tax? Court Hears Case

Tribal leaders have responded to the Governor's statement saying that the Supreme Court's decision affirmed tribal jurisdiction and that the governor's actions, like the creation of the One Oklahoma Task Force, are just a political stunt.

Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Hoskin released the following response to Stitt's address:

"Once again, instead of embracing tribes and our cultural and economic contributions to the state of Oklahoma, the Governor continues to treat us as problems that need to be solved.Three years later, Governor Stitt continues to wrongly frame the Supreme Court's historic McGirt decision - which correctly reaffirmed tribal sovereignty and the continued promise of our treaties - as problems to reverse.Every day, tribes are working to collaborate with our partners, including state, federal, and local law enforcement, to maintain public safety for all citizens. Meanwhile, the governor continues to use incidents that demonstrate the need for communication and collaboration as excuses to create further confusion and instability and to waste Oklahoma resources on continued legal fights.We appreciate the Governor's comments toward respecting the compacts that were successfully negotiated in recent weeks. Now it's time to extend that same respect toward tribal sovereignty as a whole."

Muscogee Nation Principal Chief David Hill's response below:

"Governor Stitt once again demonstrated that honesty is not his strongest trait. McGirt has not caused confusion, but political games by politicians like Stitt have. The law is clear, but rather than work together to integrate tribal jurisdictions to improve public safety, he has sought to reject it and sowed division. The Governor’s Taskforce is designed to undermine tribal jurisdiction and result in fewer police, fewer courts and fewer prosecutors to keep our communities safe. If the Governor wants to work with tribes, we stand ready. But we will not participate in a political stunt that will make our nations and our state weaker."

Senate Democratic Leader Kay Floyd is calling for more investment in public schools.

"We'll seek common ground on these issues and stand against words and policies that merely serve to divide our state and place politics over people," said Floyd

House Democrats said the governor's speech did not paint an accurate picture of the needs of Oklahomans especially with education and tax credits.