Dear USET/USET SPF Family,
In a "Dear Tribal Leader" letter issued earlier today, Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), Xavier Becerra, initiated Tribal consultation on mandatory funding approaches for the Indian Health Service (IHS). Currently, IHS is funded via the discretionary appropriations process, subjecting it to the political whims of Congress, government shutdowns, and discretionary spending caps. USET SPF has long advocated for mandatory funding for all federal Indian programs, which is more consistent with perpetual federal trust and treaty obligations. We strongly support full and mandatory funding for IHS as a critical step forward in better delivering upon these obligations.
In addition to other feedback on options to provide "adequate, stable, and predictable" funding for IHS, HHS is seeking input on the following questions:
- What is the appropriate funding level for a mandatory funding proposal?
- What is the appropriate growth pattern for a mandatory funding proposal?
- What is the appropriate appropriations structure for a mandatory funding proposal?
HHS is hosting two virtual Tribal Consultations to share input and recommendations on mandatory funding approaches and to discuss these questions.
Wednesday, August 25, 2021 @ 1:00 – 4:00 PM EST
Zoom Information: https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1619486752
Meeting ID: 161 948 6752
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+16692545252, 1619486752# US
+16692161590, 1619486752# US
Wednesday, September 1, 2021 @ 2:00 – 5:00 PM EST
Zoom Information: https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1610450106
Meeting ID: 161 045 0106
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+16692545252, 1610450106# US
+16692161590, 1610450106# US
Written comments and recommendations on the mandatory funding approaches are being accepted through Friday, September 3, 2021 via email at consultation@hhs.gov
For more information, please contact Liz Malerba, USET SPF Director of Policy and Legislative Affairs, at lmalerba@usetinc.org.
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