WASHINGTON D.C. –
The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs has held several hearings on the need for jobs and economic development opportunities in Indian Country. These hearings confirmed that Indian Country faces an average unemployment rate of 50%, the highest levels of poverty in the Nation, a lack of access to capital and financial institutions, and a need for greater support in small business development. To address these concerns, Chairman Dorgan has released a discussion draft of legislation that would provide a variety of new tools to create jobs and develop reservation economies. This bill remains under development, and your comments are greatly appreciated to improve the proposals or suggest new proposals. Please review the letter and discussion draft in the link below.
Tribal Letter and Jobs Bill (Discussion Draft)
Contact: Barry Piatt