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About Siletz news / (Siletz, OR) 199?-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 1, 2025)
Editor’s note: The Chairman’s Report will resume in a future issue of Siletz News. “One Big Beautiful Bill” could hurt programs in Indian Country could bring major cuts to important programs that serve Native people. The new law keeps funding the same for many Tribal programs, without any increases. But as costs go up, staying at the same funding level means programs will have to do more with less. That could hurt services that people depend on every day. President Trump signed the “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OBBB) into law. This bill is the first step in setting the federal budget for 2026, which begins on October 1. Tribal leaders are speaking out because this bill How OBBB may impact Indian Country Less Money for Services: Most Tribal programs will not get more money in 2026. Without increases, Tribes may have to find other ways to pay for basic services or cut back. Contact methods for the Public Information team: Email: PIAS@ctsi.nsn.us Siletz News P.O. Box 549 Siletz, OR 97380-0549 For questions, call 541-444-8293 2 • Siletz News • August 2025 Deadline for the September issue is August 11. Submission of articles and photos is encouraged. Please check the Passages Policy on page 24 when submit- ting items for Passages. Changes to Medicaid and SNAP (Starting January 2027): Medicaid funding will go down. Many states could respond by making it harder for people to qualify. This could mean fewer patients at Tribal clinics and less income to support them. People who get Medicaid or SNAP will also have to reapply every 6 months instead of once a year. New work requirements will apply to some people—but Native people who are eligible for Indian Health Service (IHS) are exempt. Cuts to Education: Some edu- cation programs will lose funding. This will make it harder for Native students to go to college and get the training they need for good jobs. While the bill protects funding for Indian Health Service and some education programs, many Tribal leaders say that’s not enough. As Congress begins deciding how to divide the federal budget, Tribal leaders will be asking for full consul- tation and fair treatment. Tribes across the country are working together to contact members of the House and Senate—protecting Tribal Sovereignty and reminding lawmakers of their responsibilities under our treaties.
