Health care, housing, justice, education, family supports, and economic development – the federal government has trust obligations to support Native American communities in all of these areas. President Trump has proposed deep cuts in almost all of them — all the way down to zero in some key initiatives.
National policy offices of a several faith-based organizations got together to tell Congress about our concern for the need for financial help in each of these areas, and to express strong support for pluses — rather than deep minuses — in these budget numbers.
Faith groups will be following up with visits on the Hill with many of these offices. Is your representative or senator on one of these committees? Check here, and get in touch with them to express your support in the programs their committees cover.
Here are samples of the letters that the faith groups sent:
The Subcommittee on Interior and Environment carries a heavy agenda of Native American programs, including the Indian Health Service and the Bureau of Indian Education, along with several justice and family support programs.
The Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, Labor, and Education is responsible for a large amount of funding for Indian Education – especially for Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians. This committee also considers funding for several family-oriented programs – especially for elders and youth.
The Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and Science has jurisdiction over programs of the Department of Justice. Several of these offer justice assistance to tribal courts and police and several support programs to prevent and respond to violence against Native women.
The Subcommittee on Transportation and Housing and Urban Development deals with Indian housing. Although the needs for new and replacement housing are great in Indian Country, the President proposed to zero-out several key Indian Housing programs.
This is the season for spending decisions. While major health care decisions are on the front burner, these decisions are simmering in the background, being considered by committees in both houses. Your note or call to your representative or senator could be very significant, especially if you focus on the particular programs their committees are handling.