The Pandemic illustrates the longstanding underfunding of the IHS. The CDC reports that: Long-standing systemic health and social inequities have put some members of racial and ethnic minority groups at increased risk of getting COVID-19 or experiencing severe illness, regardless of age…. As of June 12, 2020, age-adjusted hospitalization rates are highest among non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaska Native and non-Hispanic black persons, followed by Hispanic or Latino persons. United States of America promised, by treaty, to provide health care to Native Americans but health care funding for Native Americans is funded at only ¼ of the National Cost of health care on a per patient basis. In the 21 st Century, a proper respect for humanity requires full funding of Indian Health Care. Those with diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease and obesity are at high risk and age is an independent risk factor. CARES ACT: CORONAVIRUS RELIEF FUND In consultation with our Tribal Government leaders, we immediately mobilized and took action. We realized that our Member Tribes would temporarily close their Casinos, Hotels and Resorts, so we called upon Congress to establish a $20 Billion Tribal Government Economic Relief Fund. Working with our Member Tribes and NCAI and our Washington, D.C, team, we fought for the fund. Speaker Nancy Pelosi brought forth a $10 Billion proposal, and with the support of the Democrats and Republicans, we worked with all of our folks, and we were able to secure the $8 Billion set-aside from the State-Local-Tribal Coronavirus Relief Fund. PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM: SMALL TRIBAL GAMING We went to bat for our small tribal gaming operations with the Paycheck Protection Program—again we worked together with our Member Tribes and sister organizations. Working with our Member tribes we were able to put together a nationwide effort to restore Congress’s original intent to serve “any … tribally owned business concern” through the PPP. While SBA and Treasury initially sought to maintain their standard operating procedures, our Senators, Representatives and several Governors weighed in and Treasury came out with a new guidance to include small gaming operations. The PPP funds mean several million to some tribes and hundreds of thousands to others.
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