Budget - FY 1984 - Education/Indians [2 of 4]

This text is a fact sheet submitted by Ethel C. Krepps, President of the Oklahoma Indian Child Welfare Association. The fact sheet highlights the importance of continued funding for IOWA Programs. It emphasizes that the intent of Congress was to prevent the removal of Indian children from their families and the negative effects it had on their cultural heritage and identity. The fact sheet also mentions the unique legal relationship between Indian Tribes and the United States government, the large urban populations of Oklahoma's tribes, and the number of American Indians residing in Oklahoma. It provides figures on the funds requested and awarded for IOWA Programs in Oklahoma and states that these funds were intended to implement various programs and services for Indian children and families. The fact sheet also mentions an increase in Indian children in the custody of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services after the implementation of IOWA Programs. It discusses the passage of the Oklahoma Indian Child Welfare Act and the need for Congress to support funding for ICWA to strengthen Indian families and promote

The Indian Health Care Resource Center of Tulsa is requesting an increase in appropriations for 1984 in order to maintain the current level of services. They highlight the need for additional operational dollars due to block grants and reductions in other health resources. The center provides primary care services and is receiving funding from Title V and other sources. They request an increase of $120,000 based on increased need for services and medical supply costs. They also request support for a new law to continue building on the success of their programs. The center has achieved various accomplishments under Title V, including attracting other health care dollars, establishing a Quality Assurance Program, and improving prenatal care. They have also trained staff and developed linkages with other health care professions and facilities. The center has maintained current services despite budget cuts and emphasizes health prevention and promotion. They also provide various classes and screenings for the community. The center has been in operation for six years and offers a range of services including pediatrics, family planning, obstetrics/gynecology.

The text discusses an emergency supplemental appropriations bill for FY 1983. The bill aims to create jobs in various sectors and provide humanitarian aid. It appropriates $4.6 billion for programs related to public facility repair, resource conservation, community development, and emergency food and shelter services. The bill also allocates funds to federal unemployment compensation trust funds. The exact details of the bill, including amendments and positions of different groups, are uncertain at the time of writing.

The Deputy Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, John Kelso, along with other representatives, appeared before the Select Committee on Indian Affairs to discuss the budget request for Indian health programs for the fiscal year 1984. The Indian Health Service (IHS), which provides healthcare services to American Indians and Alaska Natives, is an integral part of the Department of Health and Human Services. The IHS operates a comprehensive health delivery system, including hospitals, health centers, and clinics, both directly and through tribal contracts. The budget request for the IHS for FY 1984 is $720.3 million. The Presidents budget also includes an initiative to increase collections from reimbursements to supplement the appropriations request. The IHS aims to maintain and improve the health status of the Indian people while ensuring reimbursement from third-party payers. The budget request also includes increased funding for the Equity Health Care Fund to address funding deficiencies for certain tribes. The IHS strives to meet the standards set by the Joint

The Association of Contract Tribal Schools (ACIS) was formed to provide support and assistance to tribal schools and schools interested in local control of education. The movement began in 1966 with one school and has now grown to over 60 schools throughout the nation. The President of ACIS is concerned about the proposed reductions in funding for the Title IV Indian Education Act, which has had a positive impact on education programs on reservations. The funds have supported training for educators and administrators, increased community involvement, culturally relevant instruction and curriculum development, and education support service programs. The President emphasizes the importance of funding for the education and development of Indigenous leaders.