Bill Overview
Title: Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation Shab-eh-nay Band Reservation Settlement Act of 2022
Description: 2022 This bill provides for the settlement of claims by the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation relating to the Shab-eh-nay Band Reservation in northern Illinois. The reservation consists of 1,280 acres and, due to a sale in 1849, is currently occupied by the tribe and nontribe entities, including the State of Illinois, the Dekalb County government, and corporate entities. In particular, the bill recognizes the tribe's ownership of 130 acres of land within the reservation. Further, the bill extinguishes the tribe's title to the remainder of the reservation. Additionally, the bill requires the Department of the Interior to pay the tribe a specified amount as partial settlement of the tribe's claims for the tribe to promote economic development and land acquisition. The bill also outlines a process for subsequent payments to the tribe. The tribe may use these settlement funds to acquire up to 1,151 acres of land within or near the reservation. The bill authorizes the tribe to enter into agreements with the State of Illinois and local governments. It requires land that is located within the boundaries of the reservation and owned by state and local governments to be managed to protect any human or cultural remains.
Sponsors: Rep. Garcia, Jesus G. "Chuy" [D-IL-4]
Target Audience
Population: People associated with the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation and current occupants of the Shab-eh-nay Band Reservation.
Estimated Size: 1000
- The bill primarily impacts the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, specifically those involved with or residing on the Shab-eh-nay Band Reservation.
- The population impacted includes 130 acres of land officially recognized as owned by the tribe and potentially 1,151 additional acres that the tribe may acquire.
- Non-tribal residents or entities currently on the reservation land, such as the State of Illinois, Dekalb County government, and corporate entities, are affected as ownership and management of certain lands may change.
- The bill also affects local governments as they need to manage land to protect cultural and human remains in alignment with the new law.
- Wider economic impacts may be felt through the economic development initiatives funded by the settlement provided in the bill.
Reasoning
- The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation Shab-eh-nay Band Reservation Settlement Act of 2022 affects a targeted group within the U.S., primarily revolving around land ownership and economic development. The budgetary constraints and land management clauses mean the impacts are localized.
- The main population impacted includes tribal members who will see potential economic benefits from land ownership and settlement funds. This could boost their wellbeing scores as they gain resources for development.
- Non-tribal residents within the reservation boundaries may face changes in land management, possibly affecting their day-to-day activities or property rights, possibly resulting in lower wellbeing if poorly affected.
- Local governments will have new responsibilities regarding cultural and human remains on lands they manage. This may not directly affect individual wellbeing scores but impacts governance.
- Given the nature and scope of this policy, few outside of the immediate area of northern Illinois or without direct tribal connections are expected to see significant changes in their wellbeing.
Simulated Interviews
Local Government Employee (Dekalb County, Illinois)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I understand the significance of this act for the tribe, but it adds more responsibility to our land management tasks.
- There could be some challenges integrating the protection of cultural sites with our current operations.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Tribal Business Owner (Shab-eh-nay Band Reservation)
Age: 32 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This recognition of our land is a long-overdue justice for our community.
- I look forward to the potential economic developments that may come from this settlement.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Farmer (Northern Illinois)
Age: 58 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've farmed here for decades, and the thought of my land being acquired is worrying.
- I support the tribe's rights, but I hope there's a fair process for us existing occupants.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Retired (Shab-eh-nay Band Reservation)
Age: 61 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I never thought I'd see this day.
- Any improvements that help our tribe economically will also help my family and I.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Corporate Executive (Peoria, Illinois)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Our company will adapt to any land management changes as needed.
- The policy doesn't directly impact me, but the community changes could influence local business.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Environmental Scientist (Dekalb County, Illinois)
Age: 25 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm excited about the emphasis on preserving cultural sites alongside our natural resources.
- It's a chance to bridge science and heritage in our community.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Journalist (Rockford, Illinois)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This bill could set a precedent for how state and tribal relations evolve in Illinois.
- It's an important story to follow for both the community and our readers.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Lawyer (Chicago, Illinois)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This settlement is crucial for recognizing tribal rights and advancing restorative justice.
- It could lead to more collaborative land management strategies in the region.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Non-profit Worker (Aurora, Illinois)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This is a pivotal moment for economic and cultural revitalization of the tribe.
- Supporting these changes is essential for community wellness.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Teacher (Shab-eh-nay Band Reservation)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is a legacy for the future generations of our tribe.
- Education about this history is vital for our children's identity.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $10000000 (Low: $8000000, High: $12000000)
Year 2: $3000000 (Low: $2000000, High: $4000000)
Year 3: $3000000 (Low: $2000000, High: $4000000)
Year 5: $2000000 (Low: $1000000, High: $3000000)
Year 10: $1000000 (Low: $500000, High: $2000000)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The specific dollar value of the initial settlement payment has not been defined, creating some estimate uncertainty.
- Success in establishing new economic activities using the funds will significantly affect economic outcomes.
- Potential administrative complexity in managing new agreements with local government entities.