The largest comprehensive budget in Cherokee Nation history was approved by the Tribal Council on Monday evening. The fiscal year 2016 budget of $767 million is $35 million more than the previous year. The largest increase is $30 million to health services, followed by a $3.5 million increase to commerce, $3 million for human services, $2.5 million for career services and higher education college scholarships will increase by $1.5 million.

The budget was proposed by Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Bill John Baker and approved unanimously at Monday night’s Tribal Council meeting. Chief Baker said the increase of funds will help put more citizens into new homes and jobs, and also help Cherokee elders and families with utility assistance, health care and child care services.


Other business at the Tribal Council Meeting:

Reappointment of Lacey Horn, of Vian, as treasurer of the Cherokee Nation. Horn has served as treasurer since 2011.

Reappointment of Linda O’Leary, of Jay, as registrar of the Cherokee Nation Registration Committee. O’Leary has served as registrar since 2012.

Appointed Janelle Fullbright, of Sallisaw, as a board member of Cherokee Nation Businesses. Fullbright served eight years on the Tribal Council. Previously, she served on the Cherokee Nation Gaming Commission and as a teacher at Central Public Schools and Carl Albert State College.

Authorized the Cherokee Nation to receive more bison later this year from the InterTribal Buffalo Council, originating from the Badlands, South Dakota.

Cherokee Nation citizens can view the fiscal year 2016 budget at www.cherokee.org