Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle (D) has proposed spending $250,000 for an Indian language program.

Tribal leaders praised inclusion of the funds. Only about one-half of 1 percent of tribal members in the state can speak their language.

“I appreciate that the governor, with what he’s facing, could find $250,000 for tribal languages,” Lisa Waukau, the chairwoman of the Menominee Nation, told The Madison State Journal.

Despite the small amount, Rep. Robin Vos, the top Republican on the Legislature’s budget committee, said the state should focus on other areas due to the $5.9 billion budget shortfall. “I believe in the idea, but it’s just not more important than other things that were cut,” she said.

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Doyle budget includes money to preserve dwindling tribal languages (The Madison State Journal 2/26)