12/20/2025
Breaking: The Muscogee Creek National Council adopted a NCA 25-125 substitute into law 13-1. It will take effect in 2028. The law gives each council member a $28,000 raise. The council speaker position will receive a $15,000 raise. The council second speaker position will receive a $33,000 raise. Representative Nelson Harjo Sr., the bill's sponsor, made a motion to adopt a substitute. The law received vigorous discussion from Council members. Rep. Harjo said that there is a need for the raises for council members in order to support themselves and their families. Representative Sandra Golden concurred, stating "We want to attract young people, forward thinking for the Nation."
Representative Randolph voiced his opposition, stating "What have we done to deserve a $28,000 pay jump?" Representative Leonard Gouge remarked that more work needed to be done on the bill. Particularly, to define what it means for a council member to work "full time". Representative Robyn Whitecloud made a motion to postpone the vote on the bill indefinitely. The vote was split 7-7. Speaker Randall Hicks broke the tie and voted against the postponement. The motion to adopt a substitute was tied 7-7. Speaker Hicks broke the tie and voted in favor of the substitute.
Representative Dode Barnett initially voted against the substitute but changed her vote in favor in order to make a motion to reconsider the bill. Only council members within the majority vote can make a motion to reconsider a bill. Rep. Barnett said more rules need to be in place, like mandatory attendance for meetings, before the bill is adopted. The council voted in favor of reconsidering 9-5. Rep. Randolph made a motion to move the amendment to 2028. The council voted in favor of the amendment 13-1.
