Indian Times: Weekly recap of news affecting Oklahoma tribes

Tobacco Tax Compact Negotiated
A new tobacco tax compact between the Kialegee Tribal Town and the state of Oklahoma is now in effect. ... The Tulsa World reports that Oklahoma will collect 30 percent of all Kialegee compact taxes - or all applicable state taxes - on the sale of any cigarette or other tobacco product that is subject to the compact from Feb. 1 of this year through the end of 2015.

Fallin Signs Bill Keeping Oklahoma Advisory Council On Indian Education
The council makes recommendations to the state's Board of Education and the state superintendent about education issues affecting Native American students. It also promotes education opportunities for Native American students.

First Native Woman Appointed To Serve As U.S. District Court Judge
Montana Democratic Senator Jon Tester is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. He made headlines two days prior to Humetewa’s confirmation by urging Senatorial action on her presidential nomination, and the pending nominations of two other Native Americans and Oklahomans, Vincent Logan (Osage) and Keith Harper (Cherokee).

Tribe Raises Minimum Wage
The Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma have approved a resolution that increases the minimum wage for tribal employees to $9 per hour. Tribal legislators passed a resolution over the weekend in support of the measure, which is a 24 percent increase from the current minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.