Updates:
Spring has arrived and although most of the country is still in a winter freeze, as you know it is heating up here in Arizona!
On March 23, 2015 the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 360 the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Reauthorization Act of 2015 by a 297-98 vote. Sponsored by Sen. Stevan “Steve” Pearce, this Act, if passed, will reauthorize the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (NAHASDA) through fiscal year 2020 and provide comprehensive policy in support of tribal housing needs. The bill calls for establishment of the Office of Assistance Secretary at the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to oversee Indian programs; streamlining of requirements for multiple agencies involved in housing issues, especially environmental review standards and administration of American Indian veteran programs; and, lastly authorizes income for housing assistance activities. Sen. Barrasso introduced the Senate version as S. 710, the Native American Housing Assistance Act and Self-Determination Reauthorization Act of 2015. The U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs held a legislative hearing on March 18, 2015. NAHASDA authorization expired in September 2014.
The IRRIGATE Act is making its way through the Senate as the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs on a bipartisan vote passed S. 438 IRRIGATE Act on March 18, 2015. The legislation sponsored by Sen. Barrasso, moves to the full Senate for consideration. This bill focus’ on reservation irrigation projects in Wyoming and throughout the West. The Irrigation Rehabilitation and Renovation for Indian Tribal Governments and Their Economies (IRRIGATE) addresses the repair and maintenance issues of Indian irrigation projects. To date none of the authorized irrigation projects have been completed and this bill will provide $35 million through 2036 for operations and maintenance, including structures, facilities, vehicles, and equipment.
The Keep the Promise Act H.R. 308 , sponsored by Rep. Franks, Kilpatrick, Gosar, Schweikert, and Salmon, passed the House Natural Resources Committee on a bipartisan voice vote on March 25, 2015. The Senate version S. 152 sponsored by Sen. McCain has been stalled in the U.S Senate Committee on Indian Affairs since it was referred on January 13, 2015. This bill would prohibit gaming on certain Indian lands in Arizona until the expiration of certain gaming compacts.
On March 23, 2015, President Obama signed a Presidential Memorandum creating the Broadband Opportunity Council. Co-chaired by the U.S. Commerce Department by Secretary Tom Vilsack and Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker. The Council’s charge is to identify regulatory barriers that limit broadband deployment or competition. Within 150 days, the Council is to provide the President with a prioritized list of recommendations for agencies to take to support broadband deployment and adoption. Fact sheet. The Council is made up of 25 different government agencies.
In the State of Arizona, S.B. 1332 (empowerment scholarship accounts; reservation residences) passed in the Senate, but failed as amended in the House by a vote of 27-32. Rep. Livingston moved that the House reconsider S.B. 1332 on Wednesday, April 1, 2015 and the motion passed. This bill, if passed, would expand Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESA) to include a child who resides within an Indian reservation. The ESA program provides children with disabilities and children from failing schools funding to allow them to pursue education under specific guidelines. A child who meets the requirements will be able to use ESA monies for permitted expenses (i.e., tuition or fees at a qualified school, nonpublic online learning program or eligible postsecondary institution, textbooks, tutoring, test fees) and other allowed expenses.
Opportunities:
The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) urges Indian country to get involved and comment on newly released Indian Child Welfare Act (P.L. 95-608) proposed regulations. Comments are due May 19, 2015. The proposed new regulations would include language and guidance found in the newly released ICWA guidelines for state courts and agencies. Key areas include: requiring state courts and agencies to ask whether ICWA applies in every child custody proceeding; providing clear examples of efforts to prevent removal and encourage reunification; extensive explanation of notice requirements and necessary steps in notifying tribes; and, the importance of considering tribal law and customs in identifying whether ICWA applies. There are other key areas as well. Several meetings and tribal consultations are scheduled through May. Get involved and comment at the Federal rulemaking portal, Docket ID BIA-2015-0001 or email to comments@bia.gov with ICWA in the subject line or mail or hand deliver to Ms. Elizabeth Appel, Office of Regulatory Affairs & Collaborative Action-Indian Affairs, U.S. Department of the Interior, 1849 C Street NW., MS 3642, Washington, DC 20240, (202)273-4680.
The 2015 Broadband Progress Report and Notice of Inquiry was released on February 4, 2015. This report addresses the deployment of advanced telecommunications for all Americans. Tribal lands are specifically addressed as well, including recent data regarding current deployment in these areas. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is seeking comments. Ex parte (made after the deadline) comments continue to be accepted. Lend your tribal voice to this significant issue! Provide comments to the FCC through the Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS), GN Docket No. 14-28.
Tribal Financial Manager Certification Program registration is still open! May 19-21, 2014. The American Indian Policy Institute (AIPI) at Arizona State University (ASU) hosts this 3-day intensive professional development certificate program. Through a long-standing partnership with the Native American Finance Officers Association (NAFOA), AIPI is pleased to offer the Tribal Financial Manager Certificate Program to be held on the ASU Tempe Campus.
Our Director, Dr. Traci Morris, will be presenting at the 33rd Annual Native American Finance Officers Association (NAFOA) Conference held on April 20-21, 2015 in Austin, TX. NAFOA hosts this annual event to support Indian country’s tribal leaders and financial professionals in advancing tribal economic, investment and compliance knowledge. Don’t miss it!
Calendar of a few Upcoming Events in Indian Country
40th Annual Indian Law Conference, Federal Bar Association | April 9-10, 2015 | Scottsdale, Arizona
Tribal Economic Development Outlook Conference (Center for American Indian Economic Development) | April 9, 2015 | Flagstaff, Arizona
32nd Annual Silver and Turquoise Ball & American Indian Silent and Live Auction | April 11, 2015 | Scottsdale, Arizona
2015 Dynamic Women of the Chickasaw Nation Conference and Forum | April 16-17, 2015 | Sulphur, Oklahoma
Native American Finance Officers Association (NAFOA) | April 20-21, 2015 | Austin, Texas
Construction in Indian Country National Conference| April 20-22, 2015 | Scottsdale, Arizona
Tribal Telecom 2015 – Weaving Pathways Across the Digital Divide Conference | May 4-7, 2015 | Old Town Albuquerque, New Mexico
Tribal Interior Budget Council | May 20-21, 2015 | Washington, D.C.
NCAI 2015 Mid Year Conference | June 28-July 1, 2015 | St. Paul, Minnesota