Agricultural News
State Rep. Tom Cole Says McGirt Ruling Needs to be Resolved by Oklahomans, Not Feds
Thu, 27 Jan 2022 14:27:48 CST
As the 2022 Oklahoma legislative session draws near, the 2022 political season also begins to ramp up. Cattle producers and lawmakers gathered in Oklahoma City for the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association Winter Policy Meeting. The meeting is an opportunity for OCA members to share their thoughts, exercise their voting power and help chart the course for a successful Oklahoma beef industry. It also gives lawmakers a chance to hear concerns from the folks they represent.
Oklahoma Representative Tom Cole attended the event and cut out a few minutes to explain to KC Sheperd, farm director for the Oklahoma Farm Report, his insight on the latest twist in the McGirt Ruling and more.
"I think we are making some progress," Cole said. "The courts are working through this and we have got some clarification. For instance, it is not retroactive, so people getting out by using the McGirt appeal are going to find it much more difficult."
He said he feels like state, tribal, local and federal officials are cooperating with each other well in the meantime. Although there is still much uncertainty, a silver lining in all of this is that the state is receiving extra federal resources, including more federal courts, federal prosecutors, federal marshals and FBI agents with more on the way, according to Cole.
"Sooner or later when it comes down to people sitting around a table, we all have the same interests - nobody wants bad people out on the streets," Cole said. "Hopefully we will have a solution at some point."
Cole said he believes the solution will not come from Washington D.C.
"When Oklahomans make up their minds, working together - which we have done a very good job of throughout the whole history of our state, then we will have a solution," Cole said. "Until then, it is not going to be imposed by Washington."
Cole urges Oklahoma producers to put pressure on state and tribal officials to work together on this issue.
Hit the LISTEN BAR below to hear KC Sheperd and Rep. Tom Cole discuss the state of the McGirt Ruling in Oklahoma and more, including some other hot topics set to headline the upcoming legislative session.
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