Copyright © 2003 NLThomas
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TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA - The Cherokee Nation Council unanimously passed a budget for the 2004 fiscal year, just hours before the constitutional deadline.

"The last few weeks have been a very positive dialogue between members of the Council to get this budget passed and get everybody on the same page", said Audra Smoke-Connor, a Council member from Cherokee County.

"I am proud of each member of this Council that put in the work to get this budget done on time", said Buel Anglen, a Council member representing Tulsa and Washington counties.

The total budget for this fiscal year is more than $286 million. Additional funding expected later in the year should push that number even higher.

"I think it shows a great maturing of our government that we have been able to work out differences and reach compromises on the budget and move forward for the good of the Cherokee people", said Principal Chief Chad Smith.

The Cherokee Nation fiscal year runs from October 1 through September 30. The Cherokee Nation had to have a new budget before the new fiscal year started October 1. The Council passed the budget just six weeks after taking office on August 14.

"It was quite an induction for sure", Smoke-Connor said. "We barely made it through the honeymoon stage."

Related contact information:

Mike Miller, Cherokee Nation Director of Communications Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2210) Fax: 918-458-5580 E-mail: Communications@cherokee.org Larry Daugherty, Advertising Manager Cherokee Nation - Public Affairs Phone 918-456-0671 (Ex.2324) E-mail: ldaugherty@cherokee.org

Steven Swogger, Agriculture Liaison Natural Resources Department Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2546) FAX: 918-458-7673 E-mail: sswogger@cherokee.org Bradley D. Peak, Cherokee Nation Natural Resources Specialist Phone: 918-456-0671 (ex.2843) E-mail: bpeak@cherokee.org