For Tribal Governments, the State-Local-Tribal Government CRF monies are critically important, especially given the fact that there will be little time to provide further relief prior to the end of the calendar year because Congress will be going out of session for the November elections. Many of our Friends in Congress have advocated for continuing funding for Tribal Governments. For example, attached is the “Dear Colleague” Letter from Senator Moran and other Republican Senators urging inclusion of relief funds for Tribal Governments. On the Democratic side of the aisle, Speaker Pelosi and Senator Schumer have advocated for full and fair funding for Tribal Governments as well. We have included a draft template letter for Tribal Government use to urge Congress to provide full and fair funding for Tribal Governments to address the National COVID-19 Public Health Emergency and Economic Crisis in accord with our treaties, agreements and Executive Orders and the Federal trust responsibility to assist us with the health and welfare of Indian Country. Please blind carbon copy to Dhermanyhorses@indiangaming.org
[Letterhead] July 28, 2020
[Addresses] Dear Senators and Representatives: Re: HEALS/HEROES Act; Tribal Government $20 Billion CRF Set-Aside; PPP; Infrastructure Dear Senators and Representatives: I write on behalf of the [_________________ Tribe/Nation], to request Congressional support for $1200 checks for individual Americans, continuing unemployment assistance, and State-Local-and-Tribal Government Coronavirus Relief Funds, including the $20 Billion set- aside for Indian tribes. During this difficult time of the National COVID-19 Coronavirus Pandemic, many Indian nations now suffer community spread of Coronavirus, an economic crisis, high unemployment, continuing shut-downs, and we have significant government revenue challenges. The National COVID-19 Public Health Emergency is a deadly crisis that continues to surge throughout the country, and we thank you for your efforts in CARES 3. We respectfully call on Congress to engage the full resources of the United States in the HEALS/HEROES Legislation to contain and stop the Coronavirus, and offset the economic catastrophe the Pandemic has created. State-Local-Tribal Government Coronavirus Relief Fund: In the HEALS/HEROES Legislation, we urge you to fully fund the State-Local-Tribal Government Coronavirus Relief Fund, including the full $20 Billion set-aside for Tribal Governments. Please extend the time for spending CRF funds for two years because it appears the Pandemic may continue until there is a COVID-19 vaccine and the vaccine has been nationally administered.
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