Bill Overview
Title: Secure Rural and Tribal Lands Act
Description: This bill specifies the factors to be considered when allocating funding from the Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Fund (a general revenue enhancement program that provides additional assistance to eligible counties and tribal governments for any governmental purpose except lobbying).
Sponsors: Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR]
Target Audience
Population: People living in rural and Tribal lands
Estimated Size: 65000000
- The bill allocates funding to counties and tribal governments, which usually aim to support the management and infrastructure of rural and tribal lands.
- Rural areas in various countries often encompass communities with populations involved in agriculture, such as farmers, ranchers, and related agricultural industries.
- Tribal lands are specific to indigenous communities, many of which reside in specific geographic areas across the globe.
- Rural areas and tribal lands generally have lower population densities but can cover extensive geographic areas.
Reasoning
- The policy aims to enhance the wellbeing of people living in rural and tribal lands by providing them with necessary economic support, potentially influencing factors like infrastructure, health, education, and economic development.
- Rural and tribal areas often face unique challenges, such as limited access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities, which this policy aims to address.
- The policy is likely to have varying impacts on individuals depending on their direct involvement with the land and community, their reliance on local infrastructure, and their engagement with tribal governance.
- To simulate realistic interviews, a mix of demographics such as farmers, tribal leaders, small business owners, educators, and healthcare workers will be considered.
Simulated Interviews
Tribal Leader (Navajo Nation)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could greatly benefit our community by providing funds to improve our healthcare facilities.
- Having financial assistance will help in accelerating projects aimed at education and youth centers.
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 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 5 |
Farmer (Appalachian Mountains, West Virginia)
Age: 35 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Improving road infrastructure would significantly reduce my transport costs.
- Access to better services due to this funding could help sustain my business.
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 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
School Teacher (Cheyenne River Reservation, South Dakota)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Educational resources have been limited, and this funding could bridge that gap.
- It's crucial for the future of our students to have these kinds of supports.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 6 |
Rancher (Rural Texas)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 18/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Any enhancement to local economies will have a ripple effect on my ranch business.
- I'm hopeful about potential tax benefits or subsidies related to this policy.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Healthcare Worker (Yakama Indian Reservation, Washington)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- There is a dire need for expanded healthcare services in our area.
- This funding could help in setting up new health programs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Retired (Ozarks, Missouri)
Age: 61 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 19/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy might improve public transport, which I rely on.
- Older adults like me would appreciate any improvements to local amenities and services.
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 | 7 | 6 |
Small Business Owner (Pine Ridge Reservation, South Dakota)
Age: 49 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Economic development has been stagnant, and this funding could stimulate growth.
- I hope to see more businesses open with better community support.
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 | 9 | 5 |
College Student (Rural Kentucky)
Age: 23 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Environmental and educational improvements are crucial.
- Policies that support rural innovation can motivate young graduates to return after studying.
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 | 10 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 7 |
Retired Forest Ranger (Rural Oregon)
Age: 65 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 17/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm glad to see support for conserving rural areas; it's crucial to maintain them.
- I hope the funds reach the right hands and are used effectively.
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 |
Community Health Worker (Rural Alaska)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- If properly managed, this policy can enhance emergency preparedness in remote areas.
- We need better connectivity and infrastructure to improve health access.
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 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $25000000 (Low: $20000000, High: $30000000)
Year 2: $26000000 (Low: $21000000, High: $31000000)
Year 3: $27000000 (Low: $22000000, High: $32000000)
Year 5: $29000000 (Low: $24000000, High: $34000000)
Year 10: $31000000 (Low: $26000000, High: $36000000)
Year 100: $50000000 (Low: $40000000, High: $60000000)
Key Considerations
- Ensuring that funds are allocated effectively and transparently across rural and tribal areas to maximize impact.
- Monitoring the long-term outcomes and economic effects of these investments on local communities.