September 6, 2007,

Reference:   Constitutional permission for operating Budgets of the Osage Nation Congress and the Executive Branch.

While attending today’s Health, Education and Budget committee meeting there were several points of interest that came to my attention that should concern those participating in these budget meetings.

When the Tribe applies for and awarded Federal Grant monies; I understand this money is used for maintaining the continuity of operations for current and the development of programs for the benefit of all Osage people and the Nation as a whole.

Question: Who is actually responsible in keeping the Federal programs budget on tract? Is it the Executive Branch or the Congress? I believe it to be the Osage Nations Treasury as part of the daily operations. Here is the dilemma - some of these Federal Programs require matching Tribal funds.

Who is responsible for the donated monies for specific programs? Those department programs receiving the 501 ANA Grant funds are very specific on the spending of their funds, those Department’s are responsible for this money. Again, I believe the Department Directors and the Nations Treasury would have the responsibility for those funds.

I have had the opportunity to witness this process from previous resolution type Osage Tribal Councils, and that process was flawed from the get go. The program directors submit their budgets with gathered information from prior year budgets. I understand these budgets must be approval by the Executive office before they are submitted to you for passage by law. We need the accountability of the Program Directors, but not in the form of an inquisition from the Congress nor the involvement and judgmental questions.

One very troubling concern I have is the Question on Employment grade level and salary/raises. When a budget is complete and submitted for review and passage, where is it penned that the Congress decides the grade level and salary or raises for those deserving or not?