Stephanie Herseth Sandlin: Seeking Indian Country's support

Politics

Monday, October 18, 2010

The following is the opinion of Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (D-South Dakota).

In a few days we will face a very critical election for our country, our State, and for Indian Country. As you painfully know, the challenges we face on South Dakota’s nine Sioux reservations are huge.

Young people should not have to leave the Reservation and their family to fully enjoy the benefits of a first rate education, or fully participate in America’s health care system, or find a good paying job. It is the high unemployment rate that is the root cause of many problems on the Reservations. Just imagine what the national reaction would be if a State had an unemployment rate over 50% or 70%.

In the next Congress, with your help, my personal focus will be:

• Enact a Native American Small Business Act to better focus programs at SBA and other agencies on job-creation on reservations.
• Enact the very first Indian Agriculture Act as a part of the farm bill to bring the full benefits of all USDA programs to the Reservations.
• Meet treaty obligations and improve the Indian Health Care Service. I have supported recent strong increases in funding for IHS and I have always worked with the Great Plains Tribal Chairmen to make the Indian Health Care Improvement Act work the best for our nine sovereign tribes. I have always supported the Indian Health bill's permanent reauthorization and the modernization of IHS, and I was disappointed that I couldn't support the broader Health Care Reform bill that the Indian Health bill was tucked into late in the process. Looking ahead, my opponent wants to repeal the Health Care Reform bill, including the Indian Health Care section. I will oppose to the end any efforts to repeal Indian Health Care.
• Fully fund our law enforcement and justice systems. I led the efforts in the House to pass the Tribal Law and Order Act and now that President Obama has signed it into law, we need to follow through with the funding needed to support tribal police officers and help Indian youth stay out of trouble and in school.
• Give tribal schools and students the resources they need. Because Congress is likely to take up important education legislation next year, I held a hearing on Indian education this August in Eagle Butte. I'll work hard to make this broad education reform legislation works for our Indian students.
• Ensure Native American veterans receive the care and benefits they deserve. I have worked hard to help Indian veterans from my position on the Veterans’ Affairs Committee. I know and recognize the sacrifices and contributions our Native Americans have made, whether by honoring the Lakota Code Talkers or Medal of Honor awardee Woodrow Wilson Keeble. These warriors must receive the services they're entitled to after they serve.

By all accounts, this will be a close election. Every vote will count and your vote can make a difference. A few years ago, Senator Tim Johnson won his election by just 524 votes. Early voting has already started on several reservations. I would greatly appreciate your support on Election Day. Thank you very much.