Ada, Okla. - Chickasaw Nation tribal officials forecasted what looks to be a bright financial future for fiscal year 2007. Expected outlays totaling more than $500 million are expected for programs, services, business operations, capital improvements and new construction.
Tribal government officials project a record growth year for the delivery of programs and services. As part of his annual request to the tribal legislature, Bill Anoatubby, Governor of the Chickasaw Nation, forecasts tribal dollars spent for programs and services will exceed $68 million, almost double that of FY 2006.
Included in the request is funding for the operation of a new senior site in Duncan and for a new assisted-living benefit for tribal elders. Three million dollars in additional funds has been requested for education which would bring total tribal dollars dedicated to education to more than $8 million. The education division plans to implement several new programs including a new lap top computer program, a Chickasaw Honor Society and increased funding for scholarships and grants.
Tribal health programs anticipate continued program growth as well. Tribal officials have requested an additional $2.5 million to meet the increasing need for health care. Tribal health programs consist of but are not limited to, the eyeglasses program, elders’ prescriptions, and hearing aid and denture programs.
Anoatubby has also requested a $10 million appropriation for the new, "Services at Large" programs. Housing rehabilitation grants, burial assistance, prescription medicines will for the first time, be available for citizens living somewhere other than within the Chickasaw Nation's physical borders. Educational scholarships and grants have long been available to students living anywhere, but new programs such as a tutorial reimbursement program, graduation assistance and reading program are requested as part of the appropriation.
Outlays for tribal development, including real estate purchases, construction and capital improvements, are expected to total more than $50 million. Construction of a new education administration facility, the Chickasaw Cultural Center, a wellness center, a sick child daycare, senior site and a judicial building are among other major projects on that list.
Tribal businesses continue in their rapid growth phase and net income is projected to reach close to $200 million. Tribal businesses are projecting operating outlays in excess of $325 million and capital outlays totaling more than $70 million. Capital projects and improvements already on the drawing board for the upcoming fiscal year include continued development at WinStar Casinos in Thackerville and the Artesian Hotel in Sulphur.
