Recently the directorship of the tribal government went through the annual budgeting process.

This process was officially established in 1994.

The first “tribal government” budget from Indian Gaming proceeds established the operating budget at around 8 million dollars. That amount has changed over the year due to increases in tribal government employment and contracting services. These salaried and contract postions often interfere with budget priorties.

The tribal governments employment and benefits cost has been increasing 3 percent every year. As a result, tribal leaders must find a way to maintain its employment and benefits program at the expense of budget requests.

This year the local controlled tribal school board requested support for the after school youth program. The requested amount was 100,000 dollars but money was needed to cover the 3 percent increase in human capital, which amounted to approximately one million dollars for the new budget cycle.

Budget prioritization is difficult to manage in any situation but when the choice is between a childcare program and raises in employee and contractor benefits of the government. The choice seems to be simple.

Alas, increases for income and benefits to tribal government employees must be a priority over services for tribal children.