Congress was able to reach an agreement to avoid automatic spending cuts and tax increases set to begin this week, but the outlook for Indian Country is not good, former Frontline reporter Mark Trahant writes on his blog, under the heading "Austerity."
The deal puts sequestration of funds off until March, which gives cash- and staff-strapped tribes across the U.S. time to prepare, Trahant writes. The deal also keeps the Special Diabetes Program for Indians funded at its current level. Continued battles about the budget and taxes are coming, especially since the continuing resolution funding the federal government expires in March.
"Here is the bad part for Indian Country," Trahant writes. "Any compromises will mean even less money for programs. There is zero chance for more money, even for critical programs such as Indian health." (Read more)
The deal puts sequestration of funds off until March, which gives cash- and staff-strapped tribes across the U.S. time to prepare, Trahant writes. The deal also keeps the Special Diabetes Program for Indians funded at its current level. Continued battles about the budget and taxes are coming, especially since the continuing resolution funding the federal government expires in March.
"Here is the bad part for Indian Country," Trahant writes. "Any compromises will mean even less money for programs. There is zero chance for more money, even for critical programs such as Indian health." (Read more)
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