The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians of Oregon says cuts in the federal budget are threatening health care services for tribal members.

In a letter, chairwoman Delores Pigsley told tribal members that the cost of health care is skyrocketing but that the budget for the Indian Health Service has not kept up with inflation. She said the "president [Bush] and this administration have not been listening" to tribes who are lobbying for additional funds.

The tribe's share of Contract Health Service (CHS) funding has dropped, Pigsley said, in addition to reductions under the Oregon Health Plan. The tribe has been making up for the shortfall with gaming revenues but even that money has run out, Pigsley said.

Get the Story:
Tribe faces critical health care funding issues (The Newport News Times 9/8)

Relevant Links:
Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians - http://ctsi.nsn.us

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