Bill Overview
Title: Honoring Promises to Native Nations Act
Description: This bill addresses criminal justice and public safety, health care, education, housing, and economic development for Native Americans. Among other provisions, the bill (1) provides funding for various programs and accounts, including for the Indian Health Service, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the Bureau of Indian Education; (2) establishes the Office of Native Nations within the Office of Management and Budget; and (3) establishes the Tribal Broadband Fund.
Sponsors: Rep. Kilmer, Derek [D-WA-6]
Target Audience
Population: Native Americans and Indigenous Peoples
Estimated Size: 9700000
- The bill explicitly targets areas of concern for Native Americans including criminal justice, healthcare, education, housing, and economic development.
- Funding provisions are directed towards the Indian Health Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and Bureau of Indian Education which serve Native American populations.
- The establishment of the Tribal Broadband Fund indicates a focus on improving internet access in tribal areas, directly benefiting Native American communities.
- The bill's focus on Native nations suggests that it is aimed at addressing systemic issues faced by these communities.
Reasoning
- The policy targets specific needs and challenges faced by Native American communities, thus the primary impact will be on these populations rather than the general U.S. population.
- The allocated budget of $1.5 billion in year 1 indicates focused, albeit limited, resources directed towards the enhancement of health, education, and safety in Native American reservations and communities.
- With a target population of around 9.7 million, the effects of the policy will vary widely depending on resource allocation and local implementation efficiency.
- Direct impacts may include improvements in healthcare access and quality, educational opportunities, housing, and technology infrastructure such as internet access.
- Indirect impacts might include enhanced economic activity through improved infrastructure and health outcomes, thereby potentially boosting overall social wellbeing.
Simulated Interviews
Community Healthcare Worker (Navajo Nation, AZ)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The bill could bring much-needed resources to our health facilities.
- Improving the broadband infrastructure is also vital for education and remote work.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Software Engineer (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm not directly impacted by the policy, but it's great to see targeted support for tribal areas.
- Tech improvements can provide educational outreach from afar.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Teacher (Chicago, IL)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- More support for Native education could lead to preserving important cultural values.
- In urban areas, we could see more educational resources benefiting our community.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Small Business Owner (Oklahoma City, OK)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Economic development programs may increase business opportunities.
- Broadband improvements are crucial for modern business operations.
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 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Retired (Pine Ridge Reservation, SD)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Healthcare improvements are overdue and could significantly improve quality of life.
- Housing assistance could greatly help elder community members.
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 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
College Student (Seattle, WA)
Age: 21 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am optimistic about the policy and how it may empower young Native leaders.
- The broadband initiative is forward-thinking and necessary.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Artist (Santa Fe, NM)
Age: 39 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Cultural funding can elevate Indigenous artists.
- Economic incentives could stimulate a wider recognition of our art and heritage.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Tribal Police Officer (Billings, MT)
Age: 31 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Safety enhancements are crucial for our community.
- Investments in police infrastructure can lead to long-term security gains.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Entrepreneur (New York, NY)
Age: 27 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope for more networking opportunities with tribal investments.
- Entrepreneurship can flourish with better access to capital and infrastructure.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Public Policy Advocate (Portland, OR)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could serve as a model for addressing injustices toward Native peoples.
- Sufficient funding is essential for the impactful realization of these goals.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $1500000000 (Low: $1200000000, High: $1800000000)
Year 2: $1600000000 (Low: $1300000000, High: $1900000000)
Year 3: $1700000000 (Low: $1400000000, High: $2000000000)
Year 5: $1800000000 (Low: $1500000000, High: $2100000000)
Year 10: $2000000000 (Low: $1600000000, High: $2400000000)
Year 100: $2500000000 (Low: $2000000000, High: $3000000000)
Key Considerations
- Reliable broadband is crucial for economic development and education in Native American communities.
- Healthcare improvements are fundamental for reducing disparities faced by Native Americans.
- Funding stability over multiple years is necessary to ensure lasting benefits.
- The administrative costs of new offices and programs must be carefully managed to maximize efficiency.
- Long-term investments in education can lead to generational improvements in economic outcomes.