LAS VEGAS, NV – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) hosted a virtual roundtable with Nevada’s Tribal leaders to discuss COVID-19 recovery efforts and the recently enacted American Rescue Plan Act of 2021’s relief for Native communities, including the single largest infusion of dedicated resources into Indian Country in American history.
“Over the last year, Nevada’s Tribes and Native communities have been hit particularly hard by COVID-19,” said Senator Rosen. “During this challenging moment, we cannot leave anyone behind, and the recently-enacted American Rescue Plan is a major piece of legislation that delivers on our promise of real relief that reaches all of Nevada’s communities. Today, I spoke with Nevada Tribal leaders about the historic infusion of aid coming to Indian Country as part of the American Rescue Plan. This law will fund critical health care and safety programs, expand access to affordable housing, and support child welfare programs to help families and children in need. I will continue working to ensure that Native communities receive the support they need to overcome this pandemic and thrive.”
BACKGROUND: Nevada is home to 27 Native American tribes and communities.
The American Rescue Plan of 2021, which Senator Rosen voted for last month, includes the following $31.2 billion in dedicated funding for Tribal governments and Native communities:
- $20 billion for Tribal governments to combat COVID-19 and stabilize Tribal community safety-net programs;
- $6 billion for the Indian Health Service;
- $900 million for Bureau of Indian Affairs programs;
- Over $1.1 billion for Native education programs, including the Bureau of Indian Education schools, Tribal education agencies, Tribal Colleges and Universities, Native Hawaiian education programs, and Alaska Native education programs;
- $1.248 billion for HUD Tribal & Native Hawaiian housing programs;
- $20 million to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on Native languages.
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