LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – New legislation has been introduced in Michigan’s House of Representatives that would create the Office of Tribal Legislative Liaison.
The Whitmer administration has made a push to create a seat for tribal advisors within the executive branch and state offices. Carrie Rheingans, State Representative from Ann Arbor, said it’s about time they do the same in the legislature.
On Wednesday Representative Rheingans introduced the bi-partisan bill that would launch the office of the tribal legislative liaison which would staff three advisors, the designated tribal liaison, appointed from a list of candidates selected by the United Tribes of Michigan, and two policy advisors.
The bill introduced to Michigan’s House of Representatives has been a 3-year long effort from tribal leaders and legislators. Doreen Blaker, president of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Tribal Council says the partnership is an exciting step forward in ensuring the tribes aren’t left out of the state decision-making process.
“I just see good things that if they go forward with this and I see a long and fruitful relationship. between the tribes and the state, if we have a liaison that can address things ahead of time and bring concerns.” Blaker said. “I just say Miigwech, thank you, for all the work that you know, the tribes and the legislators who brought this forward are doing on this to make this happen. What a great opportunity to send tribal members down and be a part of the legislators of Michigan.”
Rheingans says that even as a freshman legislator, the need for more guidance from the 12 federally recognized tribes in Michigan has been a very present issue she’d hoped to address
“Earlier this term in the fall, I was at the Tribal State Summit and heard again the call for the creation of a tribal liaison for the legislatures,” Rheingans said. “I’ve learned a lot and realized that it would be very beneficial to have a focal point where we can do official consultation.”
The bills have been referred to the House Committee on Government Operations. The bill must still work its way through the rest of the legislature before it can be signed by the Governor, but she is expected to sign it once it does reach her desk.
