IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 16, 2007

Contact:
Rep. Forrest Knox
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Topeka – Kansas House Leadership has named Representative Forrest Knox (R-Altoona) to serve as Vice-Chair of the Joint Committee on State-Tribal Relations.

“I am confident Rep. Knox is the right choice to handle the important issues that come before this committee,” Speaker Melvin Neufeld said.

The Joint Committee on State-Tribal Relations is charged by Kansas law to review any Tribal gaming compact entered into by a tribe and the governor.  Other issues the committee has dealt with include motor fuel taxes; license plate recognition; Pikatoni water issues; tribal law enforcement officers having state police powers on the reservations; and the south trafficway through the Baker Wetlands south of Lawrence.

“A strong and honest relationship with the tribes in Kansas is important. I look forward to learning about the issues facing Kansas tribes and working with the committee and tribal leaders in determining what is best for all Kansans,” said Rep. Knox.

There are four recognized American Indian Tribes in Kansas:  Iowa Tribe; Prairie Band Potawatomi Tribe; Sac & Fox Tribe; and Kickapoo Tribe

Reps. Richard Proehl (R-Parsons), Arlen Siegfreid (R-Olathe), Stan Frownfelter (D-Kansas City), Steve Lukert (D-Sabetha) and Senators Pete Brungardt (R-Salina), Les Donovan (R-Wichita), John Vratil (R-Leawood), Mark Gilstrap (D-Kansas City), and David Haley (D-Kansas City) also serve on the committee. Sen. Brungardt is the committee chairperson.

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