Rep. Fetgatter Comments on United for Oklahoma Report
OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Scott Fetgatter, R-Okmulgee, today commented on the United for Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association's report on the impact of tribal nations on the state's economy. Fetgatter is the House Leader of Tribal and External Affairs. He is a member of the Choctaw Nation. The groups this week released a study showing First American tribal nations in Oklahoma contributed $23.4 billion to the state's economy in 2023. From Fiscal Year 2019 to FY 2023, the groups show an increase in economic activity of $4.9 billion, or nearly double, over the period from FY 2017 to FY 2019. The study found the tribes directly employed more than 55,600 Oklahomans and supported a total of 139,860 jobs to tribal citizens and non-citizens, accounting for more than $7.8 billion in wages and benefits to Oklahoma workers in 2023. "The positive impact of our tribal nations has long been known in Oklahoma," Fetgatter said. "This report gives concrete data to show just how significant that impact is to all of the people who call our state home – whether that be through stable and secure housing, good-paying jobs, education, health care services, contributions to our states infrastructure or much more. That's not even accounting for the cultural enrichment the tribes bring to our state. I'm grateful for the relationship we have with the leaders and citizens of our tribal nations." The report highlights significant tribal contributions to health care, public education and workforce development in 2023, showing: Tribes spent $582 million providing health services to Oklahomans with over 3.5 million unique patient visits. Through gaming compacts between tribal governments and the state, tribes submit a percentage of their Class III gaming revenues for the exclusive right to operate gaming in the state. In 2023, tribes sent $208 million in exclusivity fees to the state – a 36% increase since 2019. More than $177 million of the fees went to fund public education across Oklahoma. When combined with the education portion of exclusivity fees, tribes delivered $351 million for Oklahoma education programs in 2023. The economic impact study was conducted by Dr. Kyle Dean, professor of economics and director of the Center for Native American and Urban Studies at Oklahoma City University. Dr. Dean analyzed data from 19 tribal nations based in Oklahoma. United for Oklahoma is a public education initiative supported by a coalition of tribes that are committed to nurturing mutual respect, shared strength and productive partnerships. The mission of the initiative is to raise awareness of tribal impact across the state. The Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association, established in 1986, is a nonprofit organization of Indian Nations with other non-voting associate members representing organizations, tribes and businesses engaged in tribal gaming enterprises from around Oklahoma. The purpose of the association is to advance the welfare of Indian peoples economically, socially and politically.