Omaha Tribe seeks good-faith negotiations with Nebraska governor on tobacco

The Omaha Tribe of Nebraska is seeking legislation that would require the Nebraska governor to negotiate a tobacco tax compact with the tribe in good faith and without using unrelated issues as leverage, according to ICT.

The tribe announced Legislative Bill 1037 during a Thursday press conference at the Nebraska State Capitol. John Cartier, attorney general for the Omaha Tribe, said negotiations with Gov. Jim Pillen’s office have stalled after state officials cited the tribe’s decision to legalize marijuana. Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers has also raised concerns tied to the tribal marijuana law, according to ICT.

Cartier said the proposed compact would allow the tribe to retain a portion of tobacco tax revenue generated on the reservation. He said the legislation would prevent the governor from using unrelated policy issues to influence negotiations. Pillen’s office did not respond to a request for comment from ICT, while a spokesperson for Hilgers said the proposal is under review.