Music Monday: Bach's "Little" Fugue in G Minor

This week's Music Monday is Fugue in G minor, BWV 578, also know as the "Little" Fugue in G Minor, by the great classical composer Johann Sebastian Bach.

Enjoy!

See below for all previous Music Monday posts. Do you have a song you'd like to suggest for a future Music Monday? Email me at JamisonFaught@MuskogeePolitico.com.

July 8th, 2019: The Majesty and Glory of Your Name
July 1st, 2019: Medley of Sousa Marches
June 24th, 2019: Seventy-Six Trombones
June 17th, 2019: I Want To Be That Man
June 3rd, 2019: "Les Toreadors" from 'Carmen'
May 20th, 2019: Lonesome Road
May 13th, 2019: Mr. Mom
April 29th, 2019: Have Faith in God (Muskogee's hymn)
April 15th, 2019: The Government Can
March 25th, 2019: Transcendental Étude No. 4, "Mazeppa"
March 18th, 2019: St. Patrick's Day in the Morning
March 11th, 2019: What Wondrous Love is This
March 4th, 2019: Scandinavian Waltz
February 18th, 2019: Adagio for Strings
February 11th, 2019: 'Romance' from 'The Gadfly'
February 4th, 2019: Columbia, Gem of the Ocean
January 7th, 2019: Loch Lomond
December 31st, 2018: Auld Lang Syne
December 24th, 2018: Remember O, thou Man
December 17th, 2018: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
December 10th, 2018: Carol of the Bells (medley)
December 3rd, 2018: God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
November 26th, 2018: Happy Birthday
November 19th, 2018: My Heart is Filled with Thankfulness
November 12th, 2018: Hymn to the Fallen
October 29th, 2018: A Mighty Fortress is Our God
October 22nd, 2018: Hymn to Red October
October 15th, 2018:  Indian Reservation ("Cherokee People")
October 8th, 2018: Wagner's 'Columbus Overture'
October 1st, 2018: Danny Boy
September 24th, 2018: Dvorak's 'From The New World' Symphony, 4th Movement
September 17th, 2018: Deep River
September 10th, 2018: Muleskinner Blues
September 3rd, 2018: Boomer Sooner
August 20th, 2018: Psalm 23
August 13th, 2018: Ashokan Farewell
August 6, 2018: How the West Was Won
July 23rd, 2018: I Just Can't Wait to Be King
July 16th, 2018: 'Jupiter' from 'The Planets'
July 9th, 2018: Hail to the Spirit of Liberty
July 2nd, 2018: Turn The Tide
June 25th, 2018: Good Guys Win
June 18th, 2018: Watching You
June 11th, 2018: Adoration
June 4th, 2018: March from 'A Moorside Suite'
May 28th, 2018: Taps
May 21st, 2018: Listz's La Campanella
May 14th, 2018: Handful of Weeds
May 7th, 2018: Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing
April 30th, 2018: Polonaise in A-flat major, Op. 53 ("Heroic")
April 23rd, 2018: Blow Ye The Trumpet
April 16th, 2018: Asturias (Leyenda)
April 9th, 2018: Old Mountain Dew
April 2nd, 2018: His Life For Mine
March 19th, 2018: See, the Conqu'ring Hero Comes!
March 12th, 2018: Choctaw Nation
March 5th, 2018: Hark, I Hear The Harps Eternal
February 19th, 2018: The Olympic Spirit
February 12th, 2018: Olympic Fanfare and Theme
January 29th, 2018: Hail to the Chief
January 23rd, 2018: Waltz in A-Flat Major, Op. 39 No. 15
January 15th, 2018: Bleed The Same
January 8th, 2018: Saint-Saëns' Symphony No.3 'Organ' (Maestoso)
December 25th, 2017: God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
December 18th, 2017: I Saw Three Ships (The Piano Guys)
December 11th, 2017:Who Is He In Yonder Stall
December 4th, 2017: Carol of the Bells (Mannheim Steamroller)
November 27th, 2017: Joy to the World!
November 20th, 2017: We Gather Together
November 13th, 2017: Mansions of the Lord
November 6th, 2017: Träumerei
October 30th: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
October 23rd, 2017: In Christ Alone
October 16th, 2017: When I'm Knee Deep In Bluegrass
October 9th, 2017: I Pledge Allegiance to the Lamb
October 2nd, 2017: Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat major (Brahms)
September 25th, 2017: Beethoven's Sonata No. 8 in C minor ('Pathétique')
September 11th, 2017: Have You Forgotten?
September 4th, 2017: Bach's Double Violin Concerto
August 28th, 2017: Noah Found Grace In The Eyes Of The Lord
August 21st, 2017: The Heavens Are Telling The Glory of God
August 14th, 2017: Beethoven's 5th Symphony
August 7th, 2017: 'Lift High The Name Of Jesus' medley
July 31st, 2017: Fanfare for the Common Man
July 24th, 2017: Variations on 'Happy Birthday'
July 10th, 2017: Summer (Presto) from Vivaldi's Four Seasons
July 3rd, 2017: Freelance Fireworks Hall of Fame
June 26th, 2017: Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
June 19th, 2017: A Christian Home
June 12th, 2017: Ol' Man River
June 5th, 2017: Choctaw Cowboy
May 29th, 2017: Armed Forces Salute
May 22nd, 2017: Double Bass Concerto No.2 in B minor
May 15th, 2017: Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1 in D major
May 8th, 2017: The Army Goes Rolling Along
April 17th, 2017: He Is Alive
April 10th, 2017: Surely He Hath Borne/And With His Stripes/All We Like Sheep
April 3rd, 2017: Here Comes Carolina
March 27th, 2017: 'Spring' from Vivaldi's 'Four Seasons'
March 20th, 2017: Symphony No. 5 ("Reformation") Finale
March 13th, 2017: The Pigeon on the Gate
March 6th, 2017: Finlandia
February 27th, 2017: When I Can Read My Title Clear
February 20th, 2017: William Tell Overture - Finale
February 13th, 2017: 'Romance' from 'The Gadfly'
February 6th, 2017: White Winter Hymnal
January 30th, 2017: Hail, Columbia
January 23rd, 2017: Hail to the Chief
January 16th, 2017: Come, Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy
January 2nd, 2017: Auld Lang Syne
December 26th, 2016: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
December 19th, 2016: I Wonder as I Wander
December 12th, 2016: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
December 5th, 2016: A Christmas Festival
November 28th, 2016: God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
November 21st: Beethoven's 'Hymn of Thanksgiving'
November 14th: Hymn to the Fallen
November 7th: This World Is Not My Home
October 31st, 2016: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
October 24th, 2016: 'Mars', from 'The Planets'
October 17th, 2016: My Shepherd Will Supply My Need
October 10th, 2016: Spain
October 3rd, 2016: International Harvester
September 26th, 2016: 'The Imperial March' from Star Wars
September 19th, 2016: Awake the Trumpet's Lofty Sound
September 12th, 2016: Before the Throne of God Above
September 5th, 2016: The Hunt
August 29th, 2016: Liberty
August 22nd, 2016: Summon the Heroes
August 15th, 2016: Bugler's Dream
August 8th, 2016: Olympic Fanfare and Theme
August 1st, 2016: 'Prelude' and 'Parade of the Charioteers' from Ben-Hur
July 25th, 2016: How The West Was Won
July 18th, 2016: Six Studies in English Folk Song
July 11th, 2016: From Everlasting To Everlasting
July 4th, 2016: The Stars and Stripes Forever
June 27th, 2016: Rule, Britannia!
June 20st, 2016: Bugler's Holiday
June 13th, 2016: Ride of the Valkyries
June 6th, 2016: Piano Concerto in A Minor, Op. 54, Allegro Vivace
May 30th, 2016: Armed Forces Salute
May 23rd, 2016: Paid in Full (Through Jesus, Amen)
May 16th, 2016: Overture from 'Carmen'
May 9th, 2016: L'Arlesienne Suite No. 1 - Prelude
May 2nd, 2016: My God Is a Rock
April 25th, 2016: Toccata and Fugue in D Minor
April 18th, 2016: Paganini's Caprice No. 24 in A Minor
April 11th, 2016: Fantasia on a 17th Century Tune
April 4th, 2016: Hark The Sound/I'm a Tarheel Born
March 28th, 2016: Rustle of Spring
March 21st, 2016: 'Ode to Joy' sung by a 10,000-voice choir
March 14th, 2016: Hard Times Come Again No More
March 7th, 2016: 'The Suite' from Downton Abbey
February 29th, 2016: Moonlight Sonata
February 22nd, 2016: Liebestraum No. 3
February 15th, 2016: Help Is On The Way
February 8th, 2016: God of Grace and God of Glory
February 1st, 2016: 'My Story'
January 25th, 2016: Israeli Concertino
January 18th, 2016: What Grace is Mine
January 11th, 2016: "Meditation" from Thaïs
January 4th, 2016: Praeludium and Allegro
December 28th, 2015: Appalachian Carol
December 21st, 2015: God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
December 14th, 2015: O Holy Night
December 7th, 2015: Christmas Fantasy
November 23rd, 2015: Simple Gifts
November 16th, 2015: Preacher Tell Me Like It Is
November 9th, 2015: Armed Forces Salute
November 2nd, 2015: Amazing Grace
October 26th, 2015: The Harmonious Blacksmith
October 19th, 2015: Liberty Fanfare
October 12th, 2015: The Majesty and Glory of Your Name
October 5th, 2015: Elgar's 'Enigma' Finale
September 28th, 2015: Stayed on Jesus
September 21st, 2015: Great Gate of Kiev
September 14th, 2015: Nearer, My God, To Thee

Bice reports $180k raised in first fundraising quarter in 5th District race

Stephanie Bice for Congress Posts Strong First Fundraising Quarter

OKLAHOMA CITY (July 15, 2019)  - Just a few months after announcing her candidacy, Stephanie Bice has raised more than $180,000 for her congressional campaign.

Bice, who announced her bid for Oklahoma’s 5th Congressional District on April 24, raised $181,210 for the fundraising period ending June 30.

More than 90 percent of Bice’s contributions came from Oklahomans, and the total includes no loans from the candidate.

In the five weeks after the conclusion of Oklahoma’s 57th Legislative Session on May 24, Bice was able to raise more than $150,000.

As chair of the State Senate Finance Committee, this session Bice was instrumental in passage of legislation to provide a tax deduction for Oklahomans providing foster care services. She also helped expand the Affordable Housing Tax Credit to all Oklahoma communities and secured a sales tax exempt status to the American Legion, the nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization.

In addition, Bice worked with Governor Kevin Stitt to author landmark criminal justice reform legislation. The measure eases prison overcrowding by applying citizen-approved State Question 780 retroactively. It also creates a streamlined process to have SQ 780 crimes expunged from the record of those impacted by the legislation.

Governor Stitt signed Bice’s criminal justice legislation into law in May.

Bice said the early fundraising success is a direct result of her legislative efforts to improve the state for all Oklahomans.

“I’m grateful for this early outpouring of support for my Congressional race,” Bice said. “I’ve heard from voters all over the state that they are ready for new Republican leadership in the 5th district. I’m proud to say that most of these donations are from everyday Oklahomans – individuals who have put their trust in me and share my goal of returning our conservative, Oklahoma values to Washington.”

Tribal council advances measure to reject pay raises for elected officials

CHEROKEE NATION TRIBAL COUNCIL RULES COMMITTEE VOTES DOWN PAY RAISES FOR ELECTED OFFICIALS, LEGISLATION PASSES TO FULL COUNCIL

(TAHLEQUAH, OK) - By a landslide 9-6 vote in Monday's meeting, the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council rules committee passed "The No Pay Raise for Elected Officials Act of 2019" that was proposed by Councilors David Walkingstick, Shawn Crittenden, and Dick Lay to block the massive pay increases for elected officials that was proposed by the Cherokee Nation Compensation Committee.

A packed house of Cherokee citizens looked on as Walkingstick, Crittenden, and Lay were joined by fellow Councilors Mary Baker Shaw, Joe Byrd, Buel Anglen, Keith Austin, Harley Buzzard, and Mike Dobbins to defeat the proposed pay hikes. Voting in support of the pay raises were Councilors E.O. Smith, Victoria Vasquez, Canaan Duncan, Rex Jordan, Mike Shambaugh, and Deputy Chief-elect Bryan Warner, whose salary as Deputy Chief stood to be increased by 104% should the raises have gone through. Councilor Wanda Hatfield abstained from the vote and Councilor Janees Taylor was not present.

Councilor Crittenden began the discussion on the legislation by referring to constituents in his districts who have desperate needs but have been turned down for help by the Cherokee Nation due to a lack of funding. The audience roared in laughter when Councilor Mike Shambaugh defended the proposed pay raises, stating that he spoke with the head of finance for the tribe, who told him that the proposed raises would not any impact on funding for tribal services.

In a scathing argument in support of blocking the pay raises, Councilor Walkingstick pointed out a number of conflicts of interest held by members of the Cherokee Nation Compensation Committee who unanimously voted to propose the raises. Walkingstick said, "three out of the five committee members maxed out to (Principal Chief-elect) Chuck Hoskin and Bryan Warner, and one of them was the attorney for one of our sitting council members right now. I see conflicts of interest."

Following the passage of "The No Pay Raise for Elected Officials Act of 2019", Walkingstick released the following statement:

"I am thankful and relieved that the rules committee voted today to strike down the massive pay raises for the incoming administration and tribal council. Because of the advocacy of thousands of Cherokee citizens who came together to take a stand on this issue, our legislation to block the raises has gone on to the next step in the process. Tonight at 6:00 pm, the Tribal Council will meet again to discuss and vote on this legislation in the full chamber. I invite all concerned Cherokees to come to this public meeting on such an important issue and make your voices heard.

The Cherokee Nation Tribal Council will meet publicly at 6:00 pm on Monday, July 15th at the W. W. Keeler Tribal Complex in Tahlequah to discuss and vote on the "No Pay Raise for Elected Officials Act of 2019" before the full council. Following passage by the Tribal Council, Principal Chief Bill John Baker will have the opportunity to sign or veto this legislation.

AG Hunter celebrates Pro-Life win as judge upholds dismemberment abortion ban

Attorney General Hunter Celebrates Pro-Life Victory as an Oklahoma County Judge Upholds Law to Prohibit Dismemberment Abortions

OKLAHOMA CITY – Attorney General Mike Hunter today secured an important victory for unborn children as Oklahoma County District Judge Cindy Truong upheld a 2015 state law that bans dismemberment abortions.

The legislation, House Bill 1721, bans the gruesome practice of dismembering unborn children while they are still alive in the womb.

“Dismemberment abortions are barbaric, brutal and subject unborn children to more cruelty that we allow for death row inmates,” Attorney General Hunter said. “It is unconscionable to think that we would allow this practice to continue. Judge Truong is to be commended for declaring this legislation constitutional. Today is a major victory for basic human decency in Oklahoma.”

Dismemberment abortions are typically performed during the second trimester of pregnancy. During the procedure, the living child is dismembered, limb by limb, until it bleeds to death, and the remains are extracted from the womb.

When passed, HB 1721 received overwhelming, bipartisan support from both chambers of the legislature.

Stitt responds to Inter-Tribal Council resolution on Gaming Compacts

GOVERNOR STITT RESPONDS TO JOINT RESOLUTION PASSED BY THE INTER-TRIBAL COUNCIL OF FIVE CIVILIZED TRIBES

OKLAHOMA CITY (July 12, 2019)— Governor Kevin Stitt released today the following statement regarding the joint resolution passed by the Inter-Tribal Council of Five Civilized Tribes addressing the governor’s letter of notice on July 5 to open for negotiations the State’s Tribal Gaming Compacts with 33 tribes: 

“Oklahoma is comprised of 39 federally-recognized tribes and roughly 4 million people, and I was elected to give a fresh eye to all agreements, laws, and actions by state government and to make the hard decisions that consider every individual who calls this great state home. Dating back to the campaign, I was transparent and clear that, as governor, I would seek a fair-market deal regarding the State’s Tribal Gaming Compacts that expire on January 1, 2020. This 15-year-old compact established some of the lowest gaming fees in the nation, and the tribes have been fantastic, successful business leaders in our state, turning their gaming industry in Oklahoma into the third largest in the nation today. I am committed to open discussions with all Tribal partners and to achieving an outcome that spurs more funding for public education, grows opportunity for the tribes, and is a successful partnership for the state and future generations of Oklahomans.” – Governor Kevin Stitt

Walkingstick to introduce pay raise for Cherokee Nation employees

DAVID WALKINGSTICK TO INTRODUCE LEGISLATIVE ACT TO RAISE SALARIES FOR CHEROKEE NATION EMPLOYEES

(TAHLEQUAH, OK) - Ahead of the July 15th Rules Committee meeting where the Cherokee Nation tribal council will vote upon a measure to block proposed massive pay raises for elected officials, District 3 Tribal Councilor David Walkingstick has announced that he will introduce legislation that would provide for a pay raise of $2,000 to $3,000 for all full- and part-time Cherokee employees.

In a statement, Walkingstick said the following:

"I am excited to announce the "Cherokee Nation Employees Pay Raise Act of 2019", which will raise salaries for Cherokee Nation and Cherokee Nation Businesses employees by $2,000 to $3,000. Our Cherokee employees have gone without a true pay increase for too long, and we have seen the result of this as we continue to lose some of our best workers to better-paying employers. Over the past eight years, the Cherokee Nation has lost over 140 doctors due to pay and poor working conditions, and our health systems have suffered because of this."

"The Cherokee Nation Compensation Committee has proposed massive pay raises for Cherokee Nation politicians, citing the need for better pay to recruit 'top talent'. I've visited with hundreds of Cherokee citizens since this pay hike was proposed, and nearly all of them agree that this was the wrong course of action. I am proposing Act because I believe that we have top talent in the staff of our Cherokee Nation departments and businesses, and we have not been paying them what they are worth. I hope that my fellow tribal councilors feel the same way and that they will support this modest pay increase for our great Cherokee Nation employees."

The Cherokee Nation Rules Committee will meet publicly at 11:00 am on Monday, July 15th at the W. W. Keeler Tribal Complex in Tahlequah to discuss and vote on the proposed pay increases. Walkingstick will move to amend the agenda of this meeting to place "The Cherokee Nation Employee Pay Raise Act" up for consideration and a vote.

Lucas, Hern decry partisan NDAA bill

Partisan Politics Undermines Military Defense Funding

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Frank Lucas (OK-03) released the following statement after House Democrats passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2020 by a partisan line vote of 220 - 197.

“For nearly six decades, the NDAA was a symbol of Congress’ commitment to putting party politics aside and upholding the safety and security of our nation’s defense and the needs of the brave men and women who serve in the ranks of our military,” said Congressman Lucas. “Unfortunately, partisan provisions in this bill have swindled our armed services and defrauded the bill of bipartisan support.

Lucas continued, “Ignoring advice from top military brass, including individuals such as former Secretary of Defense Mattis and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dunford, calling for 3-5% growth, an increase of technological programs, and the strengthening of nuclear deterrent programs, the NDAA instead undermines our nation’s defense. Reducing personnel accounts by $1.2 billion, cutting programs critical to deterring Russian and Chinese aggression, and preventing the Trump Administration from securing the Southern border, House Democrats are instead using our nation’s military as a political pawn in their dispute with the President.

Oklahoma’s 58,271 active duty, reserve, and civilian defense personnel deserve Congress’ bipartisan support and our nation deserves a Congress who upholds its duty to provide for the common defense. I applaud Sen. Inhofe’s leadership providing such support in the Senate and look forward to Congress’ return to its bipartisan commitment.”

Background: The Senate passed the NDAA with a bipartisan vote of 86 – 8. The Senate-passed National Defense Authorization Act of Fiscal Year 2020 supports a total of $750 billion for national defense programs, including a 3.1% pay raise for 2.15 million troops, maintains a secure and credible nuclear deterrent, and provides resources for the modernization of our nation’s military technology and capabilities.

The House-passed NDAA cuts personnel accounts by $1.2 billion, reduces nuclear modernization and recapitalization programs, forces the Trump Administration to close the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, and bans construction projects on the Southern border.

REP. HERN CONDEMNS DEMOCRAT NDAA FOR LACK OF BIPARTISAN WORK

WASHINGTON, DC – Representative Kevin Hern (OK-01) released the following statement after voting against the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act.

“Funding our national defense is a bipartisan priority, but bipartisanship is not reflected in this bill,” said Rep. Hern. “The NDAA has long been the result of spirited bipartisan debate and participation, but the new Democrat majority has chosen to forsake decades of precedent to further their own, unpopular policies. Even under Speaker Pelosi’s first turn as Speaker, the NDAA was a bipartisan bill. Now, the partisan poison pills included in this bill are forced long-serving members like my colleague Tom Cole to vote against funding our military for the first time in his Congressional career. The sad reality is that the Democrat majority turned this bill into something it was never meant to be.

Rep. Hern continued, “Thankfully, we have Senator Jim Inhofe leading the Senate Armed Services Committee. Senator Inhofe is fully dedicated to getting our military the funding they deserve, and I truly believe his version of the bill is the one that will become law.”

BACKGROUND:

The House voted on the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) today with a vote of 220-197.

The House NDAA seeks to close the Guantanamo Bay detention facility, transferring terrorists to US soil. It prevents President Trump’s Administration from taking military action to secure the Southern border and makes cuts to the programs and capabilities critical to deterring Russia & China, including nuclear modernization.

The Senate NDAA, which passed 86-8 in June, included an additional $17 billion for defense spending. The White House supports the Senate bill and has promised to veto the House version.

Association of Oklahoma General Contractors endorses Bice for Congress

380 Association of Oklahoma General Contractors Across Oklahoma Endorse Stephanie Bice for Congress

OKLAHOMA CITY (July 11, 2019) - The Bice for Congress campaign today announced that 380 members of The Association of Oklahoma General Contractors have endorsed Stephanie Bice to become the next representative of Oklahoma’s Congressional District 5.

“I am thrilled to have the hardworking men and women of the AOGC endorse my campaign for Congressional District 5,” Bice said. “Construction employment in Oklahoma is at an all-time high, growing at more than 5% per year. It’s a clear sign that our state’s economy is strong and investment continues.”

Tim Duit, President of TTK Construction, headquartered in CD 5, said: "During some tough budget years Senator Bice helped make sure we stayed on track in fixing our state's roads and bridges. This is why I am proud to support her candidacy for Congress."

Jeff Allen, CEO Allen Contracting, headquartered in CD 5, said: "Senator Bice is one of the only leaders to actually come out and tour our job sites. I found her willingness to learn and help refreshing. I am happy to support her bid to represent us in the 5th District."

According to Bice, “The work of AOGC members to improve and preserve Oklahoma’s infrastructure continues to drive economic growth in our state.”

Oklahoma's 5th Congressional District is located in the central area of the state and includes a portion of Oklahoma County, Pottawatomie and Seminole counties.

Stephanie Bice is a fourth-generation Oklahoman and was elected to the State Senate representing District 22, which includes Yukon, Piedmont and parts of Northwest Oklahoma City and Edmond. She serves as the Assistant Majority Floor Leader and Chair of the Senate Finance Committee. Bice has earned a reputation as one of Oklahoma’s most effective conservative leaders.

Stitt: "fresh eye", negotiations needed on renewal of tribal gaming compacts

New gaming compacts must protect the interests of the tribes and the state

By Gov. Kevin Stitt | July 8, 2019

Fifteen years ago, the citizens of Oklahoma approved State Question 712, and the Oklahoma Legislature passed laws permitting the state to enter into gaming “compacts” with the federally recognized Indian tribes located in Oklahoma.

Within a few years, Oklahoma led the nation in the number of tribal gaming casinos and was near the top in terms of gaming revenue. By any measure, Oklahoma’s tribal gaming industry, and its economic impact on our state, have been a huge success and emerged as a big business. As a Cherokee citizen and governor of the great state of Oklahoma, I am proud of what this partnership has accomplished.

Today, tribal gaming is the eighth-largest industry in Oklahoma. We are now the third-largest gaming market in the country, behind only Nevada and California, generating an estimated $4.5 billion in annual revenue for the tribes, and home to the world’s largest casino.

Moreover, in large part due to the success of the gaming partnership between the state and the tribes, the tribes have become the third-largest employer in the state, providing jobs to more than 54,000 Oklahomans.

The agreements between the state and the tribes giving them exclusivity to the gaming industry are, however, terminating as of Jan. 1, 2020, and it is imperative that we come to terms on new compacts prior to the end of the year.

The easiest thing to do is simply renew the existing compacts “as is,” rather than do the hard work of closely reviewing and negotiating new compacts that reflect the state of affairs today. I believe, however, that voters elected me to look at everything in state government with a fresh eye and, where necessary, make the difficult decisions that are in the best interest of all 4 million Oklahomans.

In this case, that means sitting down with our tribal partners to discuss how to bring these 15-year-old compacts to an agreement that reflects market conditions for the gaming industry seen around the nation today. My intent is that any new agreement protects the dynamic success of economic growth and development for our tribal partners, while also fairly building the state of Oklahoma to the benefit of every citizen.

For example, 15 years ago the tribal gaming industry in Oklahoma did not exist. To incentivize this industry from its infancy, the current agreement provides that, in exchange for “exclusive rights” to conduct gaming in Oklahoma, the tribes pay the state an “exclusivity fee” starting at 4% and topping at 6% of revenues received. This was reasonable and fair to help introduce the gaming industry in Oklahoma to the world in 2004. Today, Oklahoma’s fees are the lowest in the nation.

Today, most state-tribal compacts around the country provide for exclusivity fees to the state of 20% to 25%. In fact, in November 2018, voters in our neighboring state of Arkansas approved four new casinos in the state, two of which will be bid on by tribes from Oklahoma, according to media reports. In Arkansas, the fee will start at 13% and max out at 20%.

As your governor, I am absolutely committed to reaching new agreements with our tribal partners that recognize their historic and significant economic contributions to Oklahoma and provide a framework for them to have even more continued economic growth in the years ahead.

I am equally committed to representing you in a manner that reflects the current fair-market contribution to the growth of the gaming industry and puts all parties in a position to achieve new heights of success for today’s citizens and future generations of Oklahomans.

Walkingstick, Lay move to reject pay raises for Cherokee Nation officials

DAVID WALKINGSTICK, DICK LAY INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO REJECT PAY RAISES FOR HOSKIN ADMINISTRATION

(TAHLEQUAH, OK) - A report from the Cherokee Nation Compensation Committee earlier this week recommends pay increases ranging from 26% for Tribal Council Speaker Joe Byrd to 104% for incoming Deputy Chief Bryan Warner.

If approved by the Tribal Council at their July 15th Rules Committee meeting, Principal Chief-elect Chuck Hoskin Jr. will make $350,000 per year upon taking office in August, an 84% increase over outgoing Principal Chief Bill John Baker's $190,000 annual salary.

Following the announcement of this proposed pay hike, Tribal Councilor David Walkingstick announced on Facebook his intention to file legislation that would block the pay hike and provide a "substantial" pay increase for Cherokee Nation employees.

On Saturday, Councilors Walkingstick, Shawn Crittenden, and Dick Lay filed a legislative act titled "The No Pay Raise for Elected Officials Act of 2019", which would keep salary schedules the same if passed by the Rules Committee.

Regarding this legislative act, Walkingstick said the following:

"The way that the Cherokee Nation spends its money reflects our values as a tribe. If we hike salaries for our political elites while our citizens go without adequate housing and healthcare and our hard-working Cherokee Nation employees go underpaid, we will be sending a message to the world that the Cherokee Nation does not care about its people."

"I am calling upon the Tribal Council and our incoming executive officials to publicly reject these massive pay increases, and instead focus on the issues we all campaigned on, like improving the quality of our health systems, taking care of our Cherokee elders and youth, and bringing in high-paying jobs to Cherokee country."

The Cherokee Nation Rules Committee will meet publicly at 11:00 am on Monday, July 15th at the W. W. Keeler Tribal Complex in Tahlequah to discuss and vote on the proposed pay increases.

Music Monday: The Majesty and Glory of Your Name

This week's Music Monday is The Majesty and Glory of Your Name, a song written by Linda Lee Johnson that is based on Psalm 8. This choral arrangement was done by Tom Fettke, and the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma's Singing Churchmen and Churchwomen recorded this at Falls Creek in 2013.

Enjoy!

The lyrics of the song, as I mentioned, are based on Psalm 8. We recently went on vacation and toured the Creation Museum in Petersburg, Kentucky, as well as the Ark Encounter in nearby Williamstown, KY. While at the Creation Museum, we got to go through the planetarium and see the following show about the vastness of the cosmos. It's simply mind-blowing, and well worth the watch:

See below for all previous Music Monday posts. Do you have a song you'd like to suggest for a future Music Monday? Email me at JamisonFaught@MuskogeePolitico.com.

July 1st, 2019: Medley of Sousa Marches
June 24th, 2019: Seventy-Six Trombones
June 17th, 2019: I Want To Be That Man
June 3rd, 2019: "Les Toreadors" from 'Carmen'
May 20th, 2019: Lonesome Road
May 13th, 2019: Mr. Mom
April 29th, 2019: Have Faith in God (Muskogee's hymn)
April 15th, 2019: The Government Can
March 25th, 2019: Transcendental Étude No. 4, "Mazeppa"
March 18th, 2019: St. Patrick's Day in the Morning
March 11th, 2019: What Wondrous Love is This
March 4th, 2019: Scandinavian Waltz
February 18th, 2019: Adagio for Strings
February 11th, 2019: 'Romance' from 'The Gadfly'
February 4th, 2019: Columbia, Gem of the Ocean
January 7th, 2019: Loch Lomond
December 31st, 2018: Auld Lang Syne
December 24th, 2018: Remember O, thou Man
December 17th, 2018: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
December 10th, 2018: Carol of the Bells (medley)
December 3rd, 2018: God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
November 26th, 2018: Happy Birthday
November 19th, 2018: My Heart is Filled with Thankfulness
November 12th, 2018: Hymn to the Fallen
October 29th, 2018: A Mighty Fortress is Our God
October 22nd, 2018: Hymn to Red October
October 15th, 2018:  Indian Reservation ("Cherokee People")
October 8th, 2018: Wagner's 'Columbus Overture'
October 1st, 2018: Danny Boy
September 24th, 2018: Dvorak's 'From The New World' Symphony, 4th Movement
September 17th, 2018: Deep River
September 10th, 2018: Muleskinner Blues
September 3rd, 2018: Boomer Sooner
August 20th, 2018: Psalm 23
August 13th, 2018: Ashokan Farewell
August 6, 2018: How the West Was Won
July 23rd, 2018: I Just Can't Wait to Be King
July 16th, 2018: 'Jupiter' from 'The Planets'
July 9th, 2018: Hail to the Spirit of Liberty
July 2nd, 2018: Turn The Tide
June 25th, 2018: Good Guys Win
June 18th, 2018: Watching You
June 11th, 2018: Adoration
June 4th, 2018: March from 'A Moorside Suite'
May 28th, 2018: Taps
May 21st, 2018: Listz's La Campanella
May 14th, 2018: Handful of Weeds
May 7th, 2018: Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing
April 30th, 2018: Polonaise in A-flat major, Op. 53 ("Heroic")
April 23rd, 2018: Blow Ye The Trumpet
April 16th, 2018: Asturias (Leyenda)
April 9th, 2018: Old Mountain Dew
April 2nd, 2018: His Life For Mine
March 19th, 2018: See, the Conqu'ring Hero Comes!
March 12th, 2018: Choctaw Nation
March 5th, 2018: Hark, I Hear The Harps Eternal
February 19th, 2018: The Olympic Spirit
February 12th, 2018: Olympic Fanfare and Theme
January 29th, 2018: Hail to the Chief
January 23rd, 2018: Waltz in A-Flat Major, Op. 39 No. 15
January 15th, 2018: Bleed The Same
January 8th, 2018: Saint-Saëns' Symphony No.3 'Organ' (Maestoso)
December 25th, 2017: God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
December 18th, 2017: I Saw Three Ships (The Piano Guys)
December 11th, 2017:Who Is He In Yonder Stall
December 4th, 2017: Carol of the Bells (Mannheim Steamroller)
November 27th, 2017: Joy to the World!
November 20th, 2017: We Gather Together
November 13th, 2017: Mansions of the Lord
November 6th, 2017: Träumerei
October 30th: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
October 23rd, 2017: In Christ Alone
October 16th, 2017: When I'm Knee Deep In Bluegrass
October 9th, 2017: I Pledge Allegiance to the Lamb
October 2nd, 2017: Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat major (Brahms)
September 25th, 2017: Beethoven's Sonata No. 8 in C minor ('Pathétique')
September 11th, 2017: Have You Forgotten?
September 4th, 2017: Bach's Double Violin Concerto
August 28th, 2017: Noah Found Grace In The Eyes Of The Lord
August 21st, 2017: The Heavens Are Telling The Glory of God
August 14th, 2017: Beethoven's 5th Symphony
August 7th, 2017: 'Lift High The Name Of Jesus' medley
July 31st, 2017: Fanfare for the Common Man
July 24th, 2017: Variations on 'Happy Birthday'
July 10th, 2017: Summer (Presto) from Vivaldi's Four Seasons
July 3rd, 2017: Freelance Fireworks Hall of Fame
June 26th, 2017: Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
June 19th, 2017: A Christian Home
June 12th, 2017: Ol' Man River
June 5th, 2017: Choctaw Cowboy
May 29th, 2017: Armed Forces Salute
May 22nd, 2017: Double Bass Concerto No.2 in B minor
May 15th, 2017: Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1 in D major
May 8th, 2017: The Army Goes Rolling Along
April 17th, 2017: He Is Alive
April 10th, 2017: Surely He Hath Borne/And With His Stripes/All We Like Sheep
April 3rd, 2017: Here Comes Carolina
March 27th, 2017: 'Spring' from Vivaldi's 'Four Seasons'
March 20th, 2017: Symphony No. 5 ("Reformation") Finale
March 13th, 2017: The Pigeon on the Gate
March 6th, 2017: Finlandia
February 27th, 2017: When I Can Read My Title Clear
February 20th, 2017: William Tell Overture - Finale
February 13th, 2017: 'Romance' from 'The Gadfly'
February 6th, 2017: White Winter Hymnal
January 30th, 2017: Hail, Columbia
January 23rd, 2017: Hail to the Chief
January 16th, 2017: Come, Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy
January 2nd, 2017: Auld Lang Syne
December 26th, 2016: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
December 19th, 2016: I Wonder as I Wander
December 12th, 2016: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
December 5th, 2016: A Christmas Festival
November 28th, 2016: God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
November 21st: Beethoven's 'Hymn of Thanksgiving'
November 14th: Hymn to the Fallen
November 7th: This World Is Not My Home
October 31st, 2016: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
October 24th, 2016: 'Mars', from 'The Planets'
October 17th, 2016: My Shepherd Will Supply My Need
October 10th, 2016: Spain
October 3rd, 2016: International Harvester
September 26th, 2016: 'The Imperial March' from Star Wars
September 19th, 2016: Awake the Trumpet's Lofty Sound
September 12th, 2016: Before the Throne of God Above
September 5th, 2016: The Hunt
August 29th, 2016: Liberty
August 22nd, 2016: Summon the Heroes
August 15th, 2016: Bugler's Dream
August 8th, 2016: Olympic Fanfare and Theme
August 1st, 2016: 'Prelude' and 'Parade of the Charioteers' from Ben-Hur
July 25th, 2016: How The West Was Won
July 18th, 2016: Six Studies in English Folk Song
July 11th, 2016: From Everlasting To Everlasting
July 4th, 2016: The Stars and Stripes Forever
June 27th, 2016: Rule, Britannia!
June 20st, 2016: Bugler's Holiday
June 13th, 2016: Ride of the Valkyries
June 6th, 2016: Piano Concerto in A Minor, Op. 54, Allegro Vivace
May 30th, 2016: Armed Forces Salute
May 23rd, 2016: Paid in Full (Through Jesus, Amen)
May 16th, 2016: Overture from 'Carmen'
May 9th, 2016: L'Arlesienne Suite No. 1 - Prelude
May 2nd, 2016: My God Is a Rock
April 25th, 2016: Toccata and Fugue in D Minor
April 18th, 2016: Paganini's Caprice No. 24 in A Minor
April 11th, 2016: Fantasia on a 17th Century Tune
April 4th, 2016: Hark The Sound/I'm a Tarheel Born
March 28th, 2016: Rustle of Spring
March 21st, 2016: 'Ode to Joy' sung by a 10,000-voice choir
March 14th, 2016: Hard Times Come Again No More
March 7th, 2016: 'The Suite' from Downton Abbey
February 29th, 2016: Moonlight Sonata
February 22nd, 2016: Liebestraum No. 3
February 15th, 2016: Help Is On The Way
February 8th, 2016: God of Grace and God of Glory
February 1st, 2016: 'My Story'
January 25th, 2016: Israeli Concertino
January 18th, 2016: What Grace is Mine
January 11th, 2016: "Meditation" from Thaïs
January 4th, 2016: Praeludium and Allegro
December 28th, 2015: Appalachian Carol
December 21st, 2015: God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
December 14th, 2015: O Holy Night
December 7th, 2015: Christmas Fantasy
November 23rd, 2015: Simple Gifts
November 16th, 2015: Preacher Tell Me Like It Is
November 9th, 2015: Armed Forces Salute
November 2nd, 2015: Amazing Grace
October 26th, 2015: The Harmonious Blacksmith
October 19th, 2015: Liberty Fanfare
October 12th, 2015: The Majesty and Glory of Your Name
October 5th, 2015: Elgar's 'Enigma' Finale
September 28th, 2015: Stayed on Jesus
September 21st, 2015: Great Gate of Kiev
September 14th, 2015: Nearer, My God, To Thee

Stitt, mayors ask Corps to expedite Tulsa levee feasibility study

GOVERNOR STITT AND MAYORS BYNUM, GUTHRIE AND LEE REQUEST CORPS EXPEDITE FEASIBILITY STUDY ON TULSA LEVEES

Oklahoma City, Okla. (July 8, 2019)— Governor Kevin Stitt, Mayor G.T. Bynum (Tulsa), Mayor Brian Guthrie (Bixby) and Mayor Robert Lee (Jenks) sent a letter to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers requesting the feasibility study on the Tulsa-West Tulsa Levee System be expedited and completed by December 2019.

The feasibility study is needed for further improvements and upgrades to be implemented to the levee system, which provided protection to tens and thousands of Oklahomans during the recent major flooding events in Oklahoma.

The letter is available here and copied below.


Assistant Secretary James and Lt. Gen. Todd Semonite,

Throughout the months of April and May, the state of Oklahoma underwent devastating severe weather and flooding events. As a result of these conditions, state government declared a state of emergency for all 77 counties in Oklahoma, and the Trump administration was quick to respond both in its FEMA approvals as well as on the ground support from the Corps and a visit from the Vice President of the United States. Oklahoma greatly appreciates this administration's pro-active and close coordination during the events and your ongoing support as residents undergo a long road to recovery.

We specifically want to draw your attention to the historic flooding experienced in Eastern Oklahoma. This area was fortunate that the Tulsa-West Tulsa Levee System held back water for weeks, compared to the last major flooding event in 1986 that lasted less than a day. If these 75-year-old levees had been breached, the damage would have been catastrophic to the communities of hard-working Oklahomans protected by the levee system.

The 2018 Water Resources Development Act instructed your agency to conduct a Feasibility Study on our nation's levees, for completion by September 2020. Oklahomans simply cannot wait that long. In 2008, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers rated the Tulsa-West Tulsa Levees as "unacceptable". Based on your own assessment, it is clear you, too, recognize the urgency for modernization and upgrades.

We are writing to request the Army Corps of Engineers to expedite the Feasibility Study for completion in December 2019. This will allow for much needed upgrades to be addressed before the close of the 116th Congress. Any deadline past December runs the risk of delaying the rebuilding and recovery process several years for this vital infrastructure.

The Tulsa-West Tulsa Levees provided protection to tens of thousands of Oklahomans, spanning from as north as Skiatook to as far south as Muskogee and Webbers Falls. These levees also protected $2 billion in infrastructure and two major oil refineries, both of which provide gasoline to a large section of the mid-continental United States. The risks are too high for this not to be resolved soon, but there is a clear solution and path forward for expediting upgrades if the Corps will finalize this important report by the end of this year.

Sincerely,

J. Kevin Stitt, Governor of Oklahoma
G.T. Bynum, Mayor of Tulsa
Brian Guthrie, Mayor of Bixby
Robert Lee, Mayor of Jenks