Throwback! Remember when in-person meetings were a thing? Even though we’re not physically visiting offices in DC, NAFOA is still working hard to advocate and bring you the latest updates from Congress and federal agencies that are impacting Indian Country. Photo courtesy NAFOA

5 Things You Need to Know this Week

Sharing updates for Indian Country from Washington, D.C. 

1. POLICY:

HOUSE DEMOCRATS INTRODUCE THE MOVING FORWARD ACT

On Monday, June 22nd, 2020, the House Democrats unveiled H.R. 2 The Moving Forward Act. This comprehensive legislation aims to rebuild and invest in American infrastructure including: roads, highways, transit systems, housing, schools, broadband, healthcare, drinking and wastewater systems, and clean energy.

Included in this legislation are several provisions related to transportation, community, and infrastructure development in Indian Country. The Moving Forward Act seeks to improve tribal governments access to tax credits and promote investment in tribal infrastructure projects:

Read more about The Moving Forward Act from NAFOA’s broadcast.

2. COVID-19 UPDATES:
CORONAVIRUS RELIEF FUND FAQS UPDATED

On June 24, 2020, the U.S. Department of the Treasury released updated Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). These FAQs supplement Treasury’s Coronavirus Relief Fund Guidance for State, Territorial, Local, and Tribal Governments issued on April 22, 2020. Further information about the CRF is available at Treasury’s CARES website.

The majority of the updates are on page 8 and page 9 of the updated FAQs. For a complete understanding, NAFOA encourages each tribal government to familiarize themselves with official guidance and FAQs regularly published by the Treasury Department, here.

3.  FOR TRIBES:
CORRECTED RELEASE: ASSISTANT SECRETARY SWEENEY ANNOUNCES $900,000 AVAILABLE IN NABDI GRANTS FOR FEASIBILITY STUDIES ON PROPOSED TRIBAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN OPPORTUNITY ZONES

Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs Tara MacLean Sweeney announced that the Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development (IEED) is soliciting applications for its Native American Business Development Institute (NABDI) grant program, which has a total of $900,000 to fund feasibility studies for tribal economic development projects in Opportunity Zones. This program seeks to fund some 20 to 25 grants, ranging in value from approximately $25,000 to $75,000, to enable federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native tribes and entities to undertake feasibility studies of proposed economic development projects, businesses, and technologies located in designated Opportunity Zones.

Please visit the Indian Affairs website for more information about IEED’s programs and Services at https://www.indianaffairs.gov/as-ia/ieed.

4.  PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:
SALE EXTENDED – GET THE NAFOA ORANGE BOOK FOR 20% OFF UNTIL THE END OF JULY

Due to the overwhelming response to our June sale, NAFOA is continuing our Orange Book sale until the end of July. The Financial Reporting and Information Guide for Tribal Governments and Enterprises (Orange Book) will be 20% off until July 31st.

The NAFOA Orange Book addresses the complex economic activity and related entity differences of tribal settings. It also presents an overview of the financial reporting framework in a tribal setting. The Orange Book includes ten chapters covering the unique operating environment of tribal governments from financial reporting with business activities to fiduciary activities to federal tax and information reporting.

The cost of this book is an allowable charge to your federal grants and subgrants. Order online or download and fill out an order form.

5. EDUCATION:
PROVIDING IMPORTANT SKILLS WITH CAREER BASICS

Register between now and July 20th to participate in our free online program for Native youth and young professionals ages 18-26.  As well as learning about career prep and personal finance, NAFOA will be gifting a pair of Beats by Dr. Dre Powerbeats3 Wireless Earphones to the first 20 participants who complete Career Basics this summer.

Know a Native youth or young professional who would benefit from the program?  Send us their name and contact information at education@nafoa.org, and we will extend a personal invitation.