Stitt’s top tribal adviser steps down, cites gaming dispute

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt’s top adviser on Native American issues is stepping down amid the governor’s dispute with tribes over casino gambling.

Secretary of Native American Affairs Lisa Billy submitted her resignation to Stitt on Monday. In it, she accuses the governor of creating an ‘unnecessary conflict’ that poses a risk of damaging both the state’s economy and its relationship with the tribes.

The governor says he wants to renegotiate the compacts to get a bigger share of casino revenue for the state. But the tribes and governor disagree over whether the compacts automatically renew on Jan. 1.

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