Budget for Indian Country

I just checked the SDP email and received an article from Indian Country Today from a reader.  In the article, Senator Tim Johnson referred to budget cuts to Indian Country as "outrageous" and "egregious".  Normally, Senator Johnson and I don't see eye to eye on much of anything.  However, in this instance we tend to agree in principle that these cuts may be excessive.  Though I may disagree with the President on this issue, I do so not quite as forcefully as our senior senator. 

In my opinion, this is one instance where the President should explain himself in a little more detail.  The standard answer for budget cuts is that some sacrifice must be made and this is one area where we chose to make them.  I think this is not enough.  Sen. Johnson is right in that we are cutting budgets aimed at those who can least afford them.  The president should explain in detail why these cuts are being made.  Every Republican should look closely at the budget for Indian Country and the cuts they will incur because I firmly believe that every Republican wants to help those who cannot help themselves.  That being said after reviewing the budget these are my thoughts. 

The increase in health care funding is encouraging.  Though the funding does fall short of the level Sen. Johnson wanted, increasing health care funding is always a good thing.  It would appear the most significant cuts will come in the form of funding for school construction and housing.  Though both are discouraging for Native Americans, the school construction funding, in particular, is probably something which can be delayed easier than health care funding, assuming the issue is re-addressed next year.  Cuts in housing construction are a bit more problematic and hopefully this is an area where additional funding can pick up the slack.   Sen. Johnson says in the article he is already working to address this problem. 

Before I can offer my overall impression of the budget I would like to see a little more information.  For example, I would like to know how much money is dedicated to economic development for the tribes.  It has been my experience that when the tribes are allowed to develop their own economies in a way that works best for them, they are far more successful.  After health and education, economic development is the most important part of any budget dealing with Indian Country.   Until I can look at the entire budget itself, I'm going to reserve judgment.  Upon first review I tend to agree with Sen. Johnson though.