On February 28, 2008 Senator David Vitter (R-LA) introduced the Common Sense Indian Gambling Reform Act of 2008 (S. 2676). [ March 10, 2008 ]On February 28, 2008 Senator David Vitter (R-LA) introduced the Common Sense Indian Gambling Reform Act of 2008 (S. 2676). There are no cosponsors at this stage, and the bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. Time Running Out For Class II Comments: March 9 Deadline! [ March 5, 2008 ]The National Indian Gaming Commission issued proposed regulations for Class II Technologic Aid Definitions, Classification, Technical Standards and Minimum Internal Control Standards. The proposed regulations were published on October 24, 2007 with an initial closing date 45 days later. The comment period has been extended twice. However, the NIGC has only given tribes a 38 day comment period. The NIGC published proposals stated that an economic impact report was “attached,” yet the economic impact report was not made public by NIGC until February 1, 2008. It is on these deficient proposals that the NIGC is attempting to force Indian tribes to comment on and make lasting policy decisions. The NIGC, however, has given no indication that it will provide a further extension of the comment period. [ Document] Congressmen Tom Cole and Dan Boren during the House Natural Resources Committee Field Hearing [ February 20, 2008 ]Congressmen Tom Cole and Dan Boren during the February 20, 2007 House Natural Resources Committee Field hearing on the Economic Impact of the Porposed Class II regulation changes in Miami Oklahoma (Photo Credit: Gary Crow Seneca-Cayuga Tribe) [ Document] NIGC Vice Chairman Norm DesRosiers during the February 20, 2007 House Natural Resources Committee Field hearing [ February 20, 2008 ]NIGC Vice Chairman Norm DesRosiers during the February 20, 2007 House Natural Resources Committee Field hearing on the Economic Impact of the Proposed Class II regulation changes in Miami Oklahoma (Photo Credit: Gary Crow Seneca-Cayuga Tribe) [ Document] NIGC February 19th [ February 20, 2008 ] [ Document] Congressional Field Hearing [ February 12, 2008 ]The House Natural Resources Committee, led by Chairman Nick J. Rahall (D-WV), will hold an oversight field hearing on "Oklahoma Indian Issues: Proposed Regulations Governing Economic Development." Subject: House Natural Resources Committee Oversight Field Hearing on "Oklahoma Indian Issues: Proposed Regulations Governing Economic Development" When: Wednesday, February 20, 2008, at 8:30 a.m. Where: Northeastern Oklahoma A & M College Student Ballroom 200 I Street, NE Miami, OK Witnesses: TBA OIGA Meeting following the Hearing Buffalo Run Casino Wednesday February 20, 2008 at 3:00 pm Reception Buffalo Run Casino Wednesday, February 20, 2008 from 5 pm – 7 pm Tribes could Loose big with rule changes [ February 12, 2008 ]News article by NewsOK.com on how changes could affect tribes in Oklahoma. Newsok.com Washington DC Visit [ February 4, 2008 ]the delagation that visited congressmen about the class II reg changes [ Document] Joint meeting with the OIGA Regulation Committee Members and OTGRA [ November 27, 2007 ]Date: Thursday, November 29th Time: 2:00 p.m. Location: Riverwind Casino Topic: Proposed Regulations Also the Chickasaw Bar Association hosting a reception on Thursday night and a seminar the next day covering the Chickasaw Nation’s process for dealing with Tort & Prize Claims. Bringing the Troops home for the Holidays! [ November 15, 2007 ]It currently looks like we need about 30+ busses to transport the troops from Ft. Bliss to either Oklahoma City or Tulsa. To charter the busses we are looking at approximately $7,000 to $8,000 per bus roundtrip. We are asking all the tribes to pull together to get the troops home for the Holidays. All the soldiers are looking forward to spending the holidays with their families and we don’t want to disappoint any of them. If your tribe can even help with the cost of one bus it will be greatly appreciated. [ Document] OIGA Conference Call [ November 5, 2007 ]At 2:00 PM on November 5th, a Conference Call will be held for the purpose of establishing the NIGC Comment Committee. The Phone # is 1-866-390-5250 with an Access Code of 7149891 G2E is November 13th – 15th in Las Vegas, Nevada [ October 29, 2007 ]Update Upcoming Conference Call- information available soon. New OIGA Officers elected [ October 26, 2007 ] OIGA Conference for 2007 Set [ May 28, 2007 ]The best little show in Indian Gaming will be held this year in Oklahoma City at the Cox Convention Center. For information regarding registration, see our 'Conference' section or click here . October 30, 1:00 PM: OIGA Officer Elections -- [ January 1, 2006 ]Sheraton Oklahoma City (One North Broadway, Oklahoma City . OK). TRIBAL MEMBERS ONLY.