Bill Overview
Title: Native American Millennium Challenge Demonstration Act
Description: This bill requires the Department of the Interior to establish the Native American Millennium Challenge Demonstration Project to provide economic development assistance to remote Native American communities. Specifically, an eligible entity (e.g., a consortium of Native organizations in a noncontiguous state) must enter into a five-year binding agreement (i.e., a compact) with the United States to receive assistance. Among other elements, the agreement must contain a description of the specific objectives related to sustainable economic development and poverty reduction that the entity expects to achieve. Further, assistance shall be provided in the form of funding agreements and may not be provided as loans. Additionally, funds may not be used for regulated gaming activities.
Sponsors: Rep. Peltola, Mary Sattler [D-AK-At Large]
Target Audience
Population: Native Americans
Estimated Size: 350000
- The bill is focused on Native American communities, particularly those in remote areas, aiming to provide economic development assistance.
- Native Americans in remote areas often lack access to resources and opportunities that are more readily available in urban areas, thereby being more vulnerable to economic challenges.
- The bill specifically mentions that assistance is to be provided to noncontiguous states, which includes states like Alaska and Hawaii, where Native communities are often isolated.
- According to the 2020 Census, there are approximately 9.7 million Native Americans in the United States, but only a portion of these live in remote areas targeted by this bill.
Reasoning
- The primary target population of this policy consists of Native Americans living in remote communities. These communities often face economic disadvantages due to isolation, limited resources, and lack of access to infrastructure.
- The policy aims to foster sustainable economic development, with the potential to gradually improve the economic and social conditions in these communities. This could translate into increased employment opportunities, better access to education, healthcare improvements, and overall quality of life.
- The budget size suggests that the policy could have a significant impact on the targeted communities, though it is unlikely to affect the urban and suburban population or those Native Americans not living in the targeted remote areas.
- Given that a portion of the Native American population lives in the targeted remote areas, and considering the targeted funding size over 10 years, it's probable that the policy will primarily offer limited and specific benefits, but could lead to substantial improvements over a longer term.
Simulated Interviews
Local artisan (Fort Yukon, Alaska)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope this act will create more opportunities for local artisans like me to showcase and sell our crafts.
- Economic assistance could help improve our community's infrastructure, which is sorely needed.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 3 |
Fisherman (Barrow, Alaska)
Age: 24 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy seems promising, especially in terms of job creation.
- It is important that these funds directly help us improve our existing trades and skills.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Community leader (Taos Pueblo, New Mexico)
Age: 41 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy provides hope for long-term projects that we've been trying to launch for years.
- Better education and healthcare could become realities with sufficient funding and planning.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 5 |
Agricultural worker (White Earth Nation, Minnesota)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The demonstration act could boost our sustainability projects and bring innovative agricultural techniques to our community.
- I'm cautious but hopeful it can provide financial stability.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Retired teacher (Havasupai Indian Reservation, Arizona)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy's commitment to economic development can create new educational opportunities.
- I'm concerned about the longevity of the policy and if it will keep its promises.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Healthcare worker (Tuba City, Arizona)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe increased funding could improve our struggling healthcare infrastructure.
- Our chronic health issues need targeted attention, which this policy might support.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 3 |
Teacher (Nome, Alaska)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy should increase education funding, which is desperately needed in our schools.
- I worry about how the funds will be distributed and monitored.
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 |
Small business owner (Klamath, California)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- An investment in economic development might help local businesses like mine to survive and thrive.
- It's important that the funds are managed transparently and effectively.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Community elder (Bethel, Alaska)
Age: 62 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Cultural projects are just as important as economic ones, and I hope this policy supports both.
- Funding needs to reflect the priorities of our people.
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 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Student (Chinle, Arizona)
Age: 19 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am excited about prospects for environmental conservation under this policy.
- We need comprehensive educational opportunities that can result from such economic initiatives.
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 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $120000000 (Low: $100000000, High: $140000000)
Year 2: $115000000 (Low: $95000000, High: $135000000)
Year 3: $110000000 (Low: $90000000, High: $130000000)
Year 5: $100000000 (Low: $85000000, High: $125000000)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The exclusion of loans might reduce the burden on recipients but increases upfront government costs.
- Focusing on only grants may require a larger initial budget to have a meaningful impact over the five-year period.
- Ensuring measurable outcomes related to sustainable economic development is key for the success of the initiative.
- Coordination with local Native American organizations is essential for the effective implementation of programs.