Thursday, Nov 17 2011 6:58PM
Senators Richard Shelby and Tim Johnson recognized the difficulties facing tribal communities, the source states. Johnson noted unemployment is as high as 80 percent in some Native communities, while Shelby mentioned the negative effect laws and regulations have had on economic development.
Dante Desiderio, executive director of the Native American Finance Officers Association (NAFOA), recently urged the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing & Urban Affairs to aid tribal economies struggling with structural barriers and economic uncertainty, Indian Country Today Media Network reports.
In its written testimony, NAFOA notes that eight of the nation's 10 poorest counties are home to reservations, and the unemployment rate for Native American tribes living on reservations was 22 percent in 2000.The organization noted unemployment for Native people has not been below 10 percent for generations.
Addressing the committee, Desiderio noted part of the problem is unclear language in laws and regulations, which discourages business activity by making compliance difficult. The NAFOA, according to the news source, requested ambiguities be clarified and emphasized the need for government action to attract capital and examine certain legal decisions which affect land rights, leasing and other issues.
Senators Richard Shelby and Tim Johnson recognized the difficulties facing tribal communities, the source states. Johnson noted unemployment is as high as 80 percent in some Native communities, while Shelby mentioned the negative effect laws and regulations have had on economic development.
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Indian Country Today Media Network