White House: Fact sheet on Indian funding

Politics

Monday, March 2, 2009

The White House released the following fact sheet today regarding the budget overview that President Barack Obama sent to Congress on Thursday.

WORKING TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR NATIVE AMERICANS
The President’s budget overview released in February 2009 provides a broad look at the administration’s priorities for the coming year. Specific details for individual government departments and agencies will be available with the full budget in April. But, already, key priorities for the Native American community are starting to take shape.

Improve health services while reducing patient costs
The President’s plan directs hundreds of millions of dollars in new funding in the Indian Health Services – one of the largest increases in 20 years. With more than $4 billion for Indian Health Services., the budget begins a multiyear investment in the Indian health system to expand care and develop prevention initiatives that will address persistent health disparities.

This investment builds on the funding for Indian Health Services in the Recovery Act, which provided $500 million for construction, equipment, and improvements at health care centers. Strengthen Native American communities

The Administration supports the principle of tribal self-determination and will work to improve tribal law enforcement and education. The President’s budget includes more than $100 million in increased funding to the Bureau of Indian Affairs. for law enforcement and education. Additional funding is also available through the Departments of Justice and Education. These funds will strengthen tribal courts, detention centers, and police programs to help Native Americans protect their communities. The President’s budget also increases funding for tribal colleges and scholarships and provides funding earlier in the academic year, giving the colleges greater financial security.