Representative Scott Fetgatter, R-Okmulgee, recently praised the findings of a new report detailing the economic contributions of Oklahoma’s tribal nations. Released by United for Oklahoma in collaboration with the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association, the report shows that tribal nations injected a staggering $23.4 billion into the state’s economy in 2023 alone.

Fetgatter, who serves as the House Leader of Tribal and External Affairs and is a member of the Choctaw Nation, commended the findings and emphasized the significance of tribal partnerships across the state.

“The positive impact of our tribal nations has long been known in Oklahoma,” Fet- gatter said. “This report gives concrete data to show just how significant that impact is to all of the people who call our state home – whether that be through stable and secure housing, good-paying jobs, education, healthcare services, contributions to our state’s infrastructure or much more. That’s not even accounting for the cultural enrichment the tribes bring to our state. I’m grateful for the relationship we have with the leaders and citizens of our tribal nations.”

The study highlights a $4.9 billion increase in tribal economic activity between Fiscal Year 2019 and Fiscal Year 2023 compared to the previous span from FY 2017 to FY 2019. The growth is not just in economic output; it also includes substantial employment contributions. In 2023, tribal governments directly employed more than 55,600 Oklahomans, while supporting a total of 139,860 jobs – benefiting both tribal citizens and non-tribal residents. These jobs collectively generated over $7.8 billion in wages and benefits.

Healthcare, education and workforce development were key areas of investment by tribal nations:

• Tribes provided $582 million in health services in 2023, with over 3.5 million unique patient visits recorded.

• Through gaming compacts with the state, tribes paid $208 million in exclusivity fees – a 36% increase since 2019. Of this, more than $177 million supported public education in Oklahoma.

• When combined with other educational contributions, tribes delivered a total of $351 million to Oklahoma education programs last year.

The economic impact analysis was led by Dr. Kyle Dean, professor of economics and director of the Center for Native American and Urban Studies at Oklahoma City University. The report is based on data from 19 tribal nations based in Oklahoma.

United for Oklahoma is a public education initiative backed by a coalition of tribes aiming to foster mutual respect, shared strength and collaborative partnerships. The Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association, founded in 1986, advocates for the economic, social and political welfare of Indian peoples and includes both tribal members and associate members involved in tribal gaming.

Representative Fetgatter represents District 16 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, which includes portions of Muskogee, Okmulgee and Tulsa counties.