Sequester's Impact on Tribal Law and Order

Across the board cuts to federal programs seem all but assured of going into effect next week. While  the effects won't be apparent right away, everyone will be feeling the pain before long, if the folks in Washington don't do something to reverse this legislation.

Already understaffed tribal courts stand to take a hit, as do programs to support intelligence sharing and provide alternatives to detention. Grant funds to support tribal Community Oriented Policing (like our own Tribal Prescription Drug and Drug Endangered Children program) will be cut a whopping 25%. The Bureau of Prisons will be cut, dashing hopes for improving and staffing tribal detention facilities. Health programs will get cut more than 8%—contrary to a law that states it can't be cut more than 2%—and those cuts are bound to include critical programs to combat substance abuse and support victims of domestic violence or drug endangerment. The BIE will also see crippling cuts to K-12 schools, colleges and vocational schools.

Now is the time to contact your Congressional representatives and let them know that Indian Country needs a federal budget that includes full funding for TLOA, Indian health programs and education programs.  The gains we've been making under TLOA are too important to end up on the chopping block now.