Gov. Kevin Stitt (R-Oklahoma) is citing the COVID-19 pandemic to pressure tribes into negotiating new Class III gaming compacts.
But Stitt isn’t reaching out to Indian Country himself. Instead, a law firm hired by the governor sent a “confidential offer of compromise” to tribal leaders on March 26, 2020.
‘We are in uncertain times,” the law firm letter begins. “The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the landscape of Oklahoma’s tribal and non-tribal environment.”
“Enterprises throughout Oklahoma are suffering from the COVID-19 pandemic, including your gaming facilities,” the letter, which was sent to more than one tribal leader, continues.
PDF: Confidential Offer of Compromise
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