Chief Standing Bear Calls Special Session to Fund Summer Youth Program at $15/Hour

Proclamation also includes funding travel for Veterans, Workforce Development, Vital Services

OSAGE RESERVATION, OKLA. (June 1, 2022) – By Executive Proclamation, Chief Standing Bear calls a special session for Thursday, June 16, 2022, to fund the Osage Nation Summer Youth Program and Workforce Development Programs at $15/hour to remain consistent with Osage Nation’s minimum wage law. Chief has asked Congressman Scott Bighorse to sponsor the bill to appropriate funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). 

The Executive Proclamation also seeks an appropriation to the War Memorial Fund for Osage Veterans to travel to the National Native American Veterans Memorial dedication ceremony in Washington, D.C. Congressional Speaker Angela Pratt will sponsor this bill with funds sourcing from a private donation line item. 

Also, the special session includes an appropriation of non-tribal funds for Education, Elder Nutrition, Financial Assistance, Historic Preservation, Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Judicial Branch, Prevention, Real Estate, Services, Social Service, Wahzhazhe Early Learning Academy, Wildland Fire, and Women, Infant and Children (WIC). This bill, sponsored by Congresswoman Jodie Revard, includes routine, but necessary adjustments for vital programs and services for Osage Nation constituents. 

Chief Standing Bear signed the Special Session Executive Proclamation on Wednesday, June 1, 2022. 

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