Booker Urges Senate Leaders to Provide COVID-19 Relief Funding for State-Recognized American Indian Tribes

WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) today sent a letter to Senate leaders urging them to provide COVID-19 relief funding to state-recognized American Indian tribes.

There are more than 65 state-recognized American Indian tribes in the United States, including three in New Jersey. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many American Indian tribes have been overlooked and left out of Congressional relief packages despite experiencing similar – and in many cases, more acute –  needs as other communities. Some state governments and organizations have attempted to provide assistance but have had a difficult time allocating resources to these tribes, due to the overwhelming strain on assistance programs.

“Many of these state-recognized tribal communities, who are struggling to meet the increased demand for health and social safety-net COVID-19 resources, are in dire need of assistance,” Booker wrote in the letter. “This crisis has exacerbated inequities in every corner of our country, and it is critical that every community has the necessary resources to combat the crippling healthcare and financial effects of the pandemic. As Congress continues to work to meet the needs of all Americans, it is imperative that we close these gaps in aid, and ensure that all communities are receiving equitable support.”

The letter calls for providing funding and flexibility for states in the next COVID-19 relief package so they can provide financial assistance for families and businesses, medical supplies, housing and nutrition assistance, and critically-needed personal protective equipment’s to state-recognized American Indian tribes.

The full letter is available here.