After years of neglect, President Barack Obama ensured tribal colleges will be a priority in the budget he released on Thursday.

The fiscal year 2010 proposal fully funds the United Tribes Technical College in Bismarck, North Dakota. The Bush administration repeatedly eliminated the item from its budgets.

"It's really a breath of fresh air to hear that the President has promised to properly fund UTTC,” said Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-North Dakota), the chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee “UTTC is one of the premier tribal colleges in the country. And I’m glad to see that the Obama administration has recognized the successes of this institution, which has helped thousands of Native Americans advance in their careers.”

Obama's first budget promises more money for post-secondary institutions in Indian Country. "The budget also increases funding for tribal colleges and scholarships and provides funding earlier in the academic year, giving the colleges greater financial security," the budget states.

FY 2010 Budget:
President's Message | Interior Factsheet | Interior Overview | HHS Factsheet | HHS Overview | More Documents

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