CAMPBELL COMMITTEE APPROVES INCREASED FUNDING FOR INDIAN PROGRAMS
February 29, 2000

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senate Indian. Affairs Committee Chairman Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-Colo.) today called the funding levels approved by his committee “a good step forward for Indian Country.”

The committee unanimously passed the $9.4 billion “Views and Estimates Letter,” which is used by the Senate Budget Committee in writing the federal budget. Campbell's letter included the administration's request for an additional $1.2 billion in federal Indian funding.

“The average unemployment rate in Indian Country is over 50 percent,” Campbell said. “It is well-known that most Indian reservations lag behind in every social, economic and health category. In this time of prosperity, the federal government should find ways to help the Indian communities it is entrusted with.

“However, it is important that we emphasize infrastructure and programs designed to further self-determination, not social programs that will keep Indians dependent on the federal government for subsistence. The reservations have already had over 100 years of meager government handouts and we can see where that got them.”

Highlights of the Indian budget are:

• Basic tribal governmental services, up $60 million to $76 million.
  
• Indian School Construction, up $167 million to $300.5 million.
  
• Indian Health Service, up $229 million to $2.62 billion.
  
• Law enforcement in Indian country, up $82 million to $173 million.
  
• Business and community development activities, $54 million.
  
• Indian reservation roads maintenance and construction, up $117 million to $349 million.

CONTACT- Chris Changery (202) 224-1489