Tobacco Negotiations Stall Between State, Tribe

Source from:  OKMULGEE, Okla. (AP) - September 22, 2008 09/23/2008

Negotiations between the state and Muscogee (Creek) Nation over a new tobacco compact appear to have come to a standstill. Tribal leaders claim the state has gone back on its word and is not dealing fairly with the tribe. The Creek Nation has rejected state-backed revisions to a compact proposed by the tribe, and the tribe's Tax Commissioner Dana Johnson says talks broke down on Friday. State Treasurer Scott Meacham says the state's proposed change would allow state district court to be used as a back-up if federal courts refuse to hear a dispute. But Johnson says that change is unacceptable. Chief A.D. Ellis says the tribe also will not accept a deal that gives other tribes a lower tax rate. Enditem