legislative landscape update, with a focused discussion on the impending potential of a government shutdown on October 1st and discussions on other current issues impacting tribes. Giles said, “First and foremost on our minds right now in Indian Country is the looming potential of another government shutdown.” Giles added, “The last disastrous government shutdown in 2018 cost American taxpayers more than $11 billion, and the damage and lasting impacts on local economies throughout Indian Country were many times worse.” He said, “BIA maintained roads were ignored on the Reservation, BIA police and tribal police were furloughed, Elders lost access to the Indian Health Service and critical health services, including dialysis and cancer treatments, and so much more.” Federal updates were presented by United States Treasure Chief Lynn Malerba, who presented Chairman Stevens with a one-dollar bill, one of the first with her signature as Treasure of the United States. National Indian Gaming Commission Chairman Sequoyah Simermeryer shared regulatory updates related to gaming.
Paula Hart, Director of the Office of Indian Gaming, Department of Interior, spoke at length of her office’s commitment to revising the 25 CFR 293 regulation on Class III Tribal-State Gaming Compacts. The proposed regulation is nearly ready for submission to OMB. After review by OMB, we will know whether the proposed regulation has a 90- or 30- day period before implementation. Additionally, her office is working with Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Bryan Newland to update the 25 CFR 151 regulation on Land into Trust. This regulatory change is spearheaded by the Assistant Secretary. The proposed regulation includes DOI standards for implementing Carcieri v. Salazar and reduces processing time and uncertainty by identifying the documents needed for a complete application, after which the BIA will issue a decision within 120 days. Indian Country anxiously awaits these changes.
Indian Gaming Association and National Congress of American Leaders join for a photo after tribak keaders discussions at IGA Mid-Year Convention
23 | INDIAN GAMING UPDATE - 2023 YEAR IN REVIEW
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