Last week, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the U.S. Department of the Treasury, and the Department of Energy announced that applications are open for the 48(e) Low-Income Communities Bonus Credit Program. The application period is open from October 19th to November 18th, with any applications received during these first 30 days treated as having been received at the same time.

Included as part of last year’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), eligible applicants can apply to receive a 10% to 20% point boost to the energy investment tax credit for qualified solar or wind facilities that are on tribal land or in low-income communities. In the program’s August announcement, Treasury Deputy Secretary Wally Adeyemo said “the Low-Income Communities Bonus Credit Program – also known as 48(e) – supports the deployment of renewable energy technology to benefit low-income households and communities. The program provides a significant incentive on top of the existing 30% Investment Tax Credit, allowing the transition to wind and solar energy to be more affordable for families and communities nationwide.”

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The U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury) is pleased to announce that it is seeking applications from eligible applicants for grant funding under the new SSBCI Investing in America SBOP that propose innovative and high-impact models for delivering technical assistance (TA) in the areas of legal, accounting, and financial advisory services to very small businesses (VSBs) and businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals (SEDI‑owned businesses).

The SSBCI Investing in America SBOP is related to and supports the SSBCI Capital Program and the allocation formula-based SSBCI TA Grant Program. The SSBCI Capital Program is a federal program administered by Treasury that provides funding to states, the District of Columbia, territories, and Tribal governments to expand access to capital for small businesses emerging from the pandemic, build ecosystems of opportunity and entrepreneurship, and create high-quality jobs. The formula SSBCI TA Grant Program is also a federal program administered by Treasury that funds the provision of TA services in the areas of legal, accounting, and financial advisory services to eligible small businesses applying for SSBCI funding and other government small business programs.

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Soon after Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) was elected speaker of the House on Wednesday, the National Indian Health Board announced that in his campaign to become speaker, he sent out a Dear Colleague Letter outlining his goals and projected timelines for action.

The letter includes finishing Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 federal spending sometime after the current Continuing Resolution (CR) expires November 17, 2023.

In order to finish spending negotiations, Speaker Johnson proposes to his Republican colleagues a second CR funding the federal government through either January 15 or April 15, whichever can obtain Republican Conference consensus.

His letter did not include guarantees to keep the federal government funded to avoid a shutdown. His proposal to reach consensus on short term funding had no parameters. This means that changes in law including cuts and across-the-board rescissions could be back in the discussion.

Most concerning to Indian Country is Speaker Johnson’s letter did not mention renewal of the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) (or other key health extensions) that will also expire on November 17. A 2-year renewal for SDPI has widespread bipartisan support, but it has not yet been considered by the full House or Senate.

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Native leaders expressed frustration with the implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), citing a lack of communication and technical assistance from the federal government.

A roundtable held by the Senate Indian Affairs Committee on Wednesday discussed the rollout of the IIJA and IRA in Native communities.

Included in the bills are allocations for grants that tribes can apply for. However, tribal leaders expressed the different obstacles they face when applying to these grants, including but not limited to, a lack of broadband access, challenges with citing a physical address and inconsistent communication with government agencies.

“Right now, the biggest challenges are access to these grants, access to the tools to utilize these grants,” said Jasmine Boyle, chief development officer for the Rural Alaska Community Action Program.

Additionally, for tribes in rural Alaska, not having a physical address further complicates the grant application process, where a mailing address is required in order to complete.

Susan Masten, interim executive director of the Native American Finance Officers Association, called on Congress to authorize the Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service to provide the technical assistance and tax advice that tribal communities need.

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Under the direction of the VP Associate General Counsel, the Staff Attorney provides legal advice to the Tribal government, Tribal government operations and the Tribal government’s business enterprises.

This position assists in counseling all levels of leadership in diverse issues related to transactions and contracting for the Tribal government, Tribal government operations and the Tribal government’s business enterprises. The Staff Attorney provides recommendations to minimize legal and financial exposure.

This position also assures best practices to address emerging legal and business issues related to the Tribal government, Tribal government operations and the Tribal government’s business enterprises.

Learn More & Apply at nafoa.org/jobs