Choctaw vehicle tag program benefits communities
The Choctaw Nation, in the historic tradition of coming to the aid of its neighbors, is adding millions of dollars directly into programs benefiting Oklahoma communities.
While the Transportation Department of the Choctaw Nation continues to resurface county roads, build school parking lots, and more, serving all who travel these roads, another tribal program has emerged as a substantial benefit to all Oklahomans.
Choctaw tribal tags for vehicles, a program operated by the Finance Department of the Choctaw Nation, was created through a compact with the State of Oklahoma and went into effect Jan. 1, 2015. According to the Oklahoma Tax Commission, in the period of July 2015 through January 2016 (or half of the year), total revenues from Choctaw tags to the State of Oklahoma reached $3,842,577.
Choctaw Chief Gary Batton said, “The Chahta people wanted to show their pride by displaying the car tags. We are very fortunate to be able to provide a program that saves them money and helps the communities.”
The Oklahoma Tax Commission reports collections retained by the state from the sale of Choctaw license plates from July to January were distributed to several city, county and state entities. Topping the list, school districts received $1,391,013 of the funds. Among the distributions, over $1 million were also allocated for construction and improvements on county roads and bridges, $278,203 for county highways, and $119,120 to cities and towns.
As figures are gathered for a complete picture of the fiscal year, the Choctaw Nation expects more good news to come. Choctaw Nation leadership plans to continue operation of the vehicle tag and other programs in such a way as to assist not only Choctaws, but, all of its neighbors in Oklahoma.
About The Choctaw Nation The Choctaw Nation is the third largest Indian Nation in the United States, with close to 200,000 tribal members. The first tribe over the Trail of Tears, the historic boundaries are in the southeast corner of Oklahoma. The vision of the Choctaw Nation is “To achieve healthy, successful, productive, and self-sufficient lifestyles for a proud nation of Choctaws.” Tribal business success over the past few years has enabled the Choctaw Nation to begin to achieve this vision, as well as to assist the communities that are in the Choctaw Nation. Faith, Family and Culture are important values to Choctaw people. For more information about the Choctaw Nation, its culture, heritage and traditions, please go to Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.