A $3 Billion Partner, Barred from Oklahoma’s House Floor

Opinion

Oklahoma House leadership has barred Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. from speaking on the chamber floor — a move that sidelines the elected leader of one of the state’s largest economic drivers. 

The decision stands in contrast to the numbers. An economic impact report released April 2, 2025, by the Economic Impact Group shows the Cherokee Nation is a major driver of Oklahoma’s economy, contributing more than $3.1 billion. The study was conducted by Dr. Russell Evans, an economics professor at Oklahoma City University.

The report finds the Cherokee Nation supports more than 23,000 jobs and generates $1.2 billion in annual wages and benefits. Its government and tribally owned businesses spend more than $536 million each year with local vendors and small businesses across northeast Oklahoma, supporting broader economic activity.

When the report was released, Hoskin said that unlike corporations that sometimes pack up and leave communities, the Cherokee Nation is not going anywhere. 

“That is one of the things that makes us unique as an economic powerhouse in northeast Oklahoma,” he said. “We’re not wondering if someday maybe we’ll pick up and move somewhere else. We’re not wondering if someday we’ll find some economic conditions that might be just a little bit better for our bottom line. We’re looking at this as our forever home and we’re treating it that way, so every time we have a hand in creating a job or getting behind an entrepreneur – that’s personal to us. That means that our homes and communities are getting stronger.”

In 2025, Cherokee Nation also paid nearly $20 million to the state of Oklahoma under its Indian gaming compact. 

The numbers don’t lie. And in this case, they tell a story that should give every Oklahoma lawmaker pause.

I thought about the Cherokee Nation’s contribution to Oklahoma’s economy when I heard that Hoskin is now barred from addressing the Oklahoma House of Representatives. 

The backstory is that the chief attended Cherokee Nation Legislative Day on April 8, 2026. During his remarks, Hoskin advocated for protecting Medicaid expansion in Oklahoma. Republicans argue the state cannot afford to continue for it. 

The remarks drew the ire of Republican Rep. Kyle Hilbert, speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Hilbert said the speech crossed into political advocacy.

If advocating for the health and well-being of your people — while presenting clear economic consequences — is considered out of bounds, then what exactly is the purpose of allowing tribal leaders on that floor in the first place?

Politics happen in state capitols all the time. If Hilbert thought Hoskin was supposed to show up at the state capitol simply for cultural day, perhaps donning a headdress, he does not know Hoskin well. 

Hoskin didn’t show up with empty rhetoric. He showed up with facts.

Medicaid expansion alone brings a $222 million annual economic impact to northeast Oklahoma through Cherokee Nation health services. It supports more than 1,400 jobs. It funds care for nearly 17,000 patients, accounting for tens of thousands of medical visits, dental services, and prescriptions each year. And importantly, this care does not cost the State of Oklahoma a dime for tribal patients due to the 100% federal match.

In other words, this isn’t just good policy for tribal nations — it’s smart economics for the entire state.

There’s a deeper issue here that goes beyond one speech or one decision. It raises a fundamental question: Who gets to participate in shaping Oklahoma’s future?

The Cherokee Nation is not a special interest group parachuting into the state for a short-term gain. As Hoskin himself said, this is their “forever home.” 

The Cherokee Nation released the following response to the announcement:

“Given the gravity in which the speed of the Medicaid Expansion bills were developing, and the vast impact repealing these bills has on the Cherokee Nation — $162 Million that goes directly into improving the tribe’s health care system and $222 Million into the northeastern Oklahoma economy — Chief Hoskin’s speech on the House Floor was timely, respectful, and measured.”

If that kind of testimony is out of bounds, the issue is no longer one speech. It’s whether tribal nations are treated as partners in shaping Oklahoma’s future — or excluded when decisions are made.

Thayék gde nwéndëmen — We are all related.

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