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November 10, 2008

Cherokee tribal council approves tobacco compact

TAHLEQUAH — The Cherokee Nation Tribal Council voted unanimously to approve a new tobacco compact with the State of Oklahoma. The new compact puts forth a flat rate of $6.65 total tax per carton of cigarettes.

“It brings to closure to the four years of conflict over the existing compact agreement and will conclude the state’s arbitration process,” said Chad Smith, principal chief of the Cherokee Nation.

The Council also voted unanimously to approve an additional motion regarding the rebate of tobacco taxes to tobacco shops located in border areas of the Cherokee Nation.

In honor of Veterans Day, Smith thanked all veterans and noted that the Cherokee Nation Color Guard would be participating in the New York City Veterans Day Parade and was invited to represent the tribe at the re-opening of the USS Intrepid Museum in New York Harbor. He and Deputy Principal Chief Grayson honored four Vietnam War veterans during the meeting: Dr. Richard Allen, Rogan Noble, Ben Stevens and Larry Ketcher.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Council will be held at 6 p.m. Dec. 15 in the Council Chambers of the Cherokee Nation tribal complex south of Tahlequah.

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