Proposed 2013 Budget Increases Funds to Native Law Enforcement

The White House's proposed budget holds most Indian Affairs programs steady for FY 2013 but increases funding in a few key areas. The budget contains $11 million in targeted increases for BIA Law Enforcement for law enforcement operations, detention center operations and tribal courts. The request for law enforcement operations also builds on increases from previous years to support criminal investigations and police services that improve recruitment and hiring for law enforcement officers and detention center staff.

The Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Larry EchoHawk said,

"The budget request maintains President Obama’s commitment to strengthening tribal nations by making targeted increases in Indian Affairs programs that support tribal self-determination in managing BIA-funded programs, increase public safety in tribal communities by strengthening police capabilities, improve the administration of tribal land, mineral, timber and other trust resources and advance Indian education."

Read the full story at the Cherokee Phoenix.