New Mexico Sens. Pete Domenici (R) and Jeff Bingaman (D) say the federal government has never provided adequate funds to Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute.

Domenici and Bingaman say they have noted problems at SIPI for several years. But while enrollment keeps growing federal funding has been dropping.

In 2002, SIPI received $5.64 million. The amount dropped to $5.60 million in 2003 and to $5.48 million in 2004.

The problems forced the school to make 29 layoffs. The employees affected have filed a union challenge.

Get the Story:
Senators Say SIPI Needs More Fund (The Albuquerque Journal 4/1)
Union Files Challenge to SIPI Layoffs (The Albuquerque Journal 3/31)

Relevant Links:
Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute - http://www.sipi.bia.edu

Related Stories:
Tribal college in New Mexico makes 29 layoffs (3/30)
Embattled SIPI president announces resignation (02/24)
Some faculty, students question SIPI president (09/17)
Education Secretary Paige visiting tribal college (04/08)
SIPI distance learning affected by Internet shutdown (03/23)