Senator skeptical about budget

0 Comments | Indian Country Today (Lakota Times), January, 2005 | by Melmer, David

Melmer, David Indian Country Today (Lakota Times) 01-19-2005 WASHINGTON - South Dakota Democratic Senator Tim Johnson said he is skeptical about any real changes in funding for Indian country in the president's 2006 budget. Based on past history of reduced funding and not meeting the cost of living increase for health care, trust reform, housing, law enforcement and other programs for Indian country, Sen.

Johnson said, "I am concerned about the president's budget cutting into Indian issues. There are several concerns there will be outright cuts. If the president doesn't cut he doesn't keep up with inflation. The president calls for modest increases but we get further and further behind." Johnson had not seen the upcoming budget proposal but said he would ...