Trahant Reports

Once the deal for extraction of coal and other resources in tribal communities included well-paying jobs. But the shrinking nature of the extractive industry makes that an impossible promise to deliver.

The promise from President Donald J. Trump and Congress to quickly repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act has failed. What does this mean for the Indian health system? It’s a renewed call to grow the number of American Indians and Alaska Natives with health insurance and to expand Medicaid in nineteen states.

President Donald Trump’s skinny budget represents an agenda that would shrink the federal government dramatically. That would include deep cuts across agency lines, including those programs that serve Native Americans. But it’s Congress, not the president, that will decide how much money is to be spent next year.

Indian Country cannot afford to close the door to Republicans in Congress and in state legislatures, especially those Native Americans who have been elected to office and serve as Republicans. There are two tribal citizens serving in Congress: Rep. Tom Cole, a member of the Chickasaw Nation, and Markwayne Mullin, a member of the Cherokee Nation. And, there are at least ten Native American Republicans serving in state legislatures (compared to 51 Democrats) in seven states.

Federal Indian programs have been added to the “high-risk” category by the Government Accountability Office. That designation could not come at a worse time because there already are already so many pressures to cut the budget. And that’s exactly the wrong way to serve Indian Country.

Jenni Monet’s arrest covering Standing Rock puts the institutions of journalism on trial. The First Amendment is supposed to protect all journalists. Yet in North Dakota there hasn’t even been a news story. Those who claim the First Amendment must object loudly.

01-23-17TrumpBudget by Native Voice One - NV1

Congress has voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act. Kinda, sorta. But there is a long path ahead, especially when it comes to a replacement. For now American Indians and Alaska Natives should sign up for insurance. It will add money to the Indian health system for as many as four years.

Native Americans are taking on leadership roles across the country, including in Washington state where John McCoy is the face of Senate Democrats. (Washington state legislature photo)