Oklahoma tribes spent about $1.17 million on lobbyist in 2005, The Tulsa World reports. Citing figures from the U.S. Senate Office of Public Records, the paper says 13 of Oklahoma's 38 federally recognized tribes employed lobbyists. The biggest spenders include the Osage Nation ($380,000); the Chickasaw Nation ($250,000), the United Keetoowah Band ($200,000) and the Quapaw Tribe ($100,000). "People think tribes are just getting money for gaming, but some of that money goes toward our biggest needs," Quapaw Chairman John Berrey said. The tribe employs two lobbying firms -- including one formed by former Interior deputy secretary J. Steven Griles -- to work on Tar Creek environmental issues. The spending in 2005 is up from the $900,000 tribes spent in 2000, the paper said. Overall, the tribal lobbying industry is worth $2.2 billion, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. Get the Story:
Tribes put more into lobbying (The Tulsa World 8/28) Lobbying Database:
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