Letter: Small Business Jobs and Credit Act

Attention National Center Partners:



The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development needs your support in advocating for the Senator Dorgan Native American Investment Initiatives Amendment for H.R. 5297, the Small Business Jobs and Credit Act of 2010. The National Center supports increased access to capital, sovereign rights (especially for economic development, business and commerce) as well as free market solutions for additional surety and guarantees. This amendment walks us down this road and we need to ensure that these officials hear our voice.



This letter is in support of the Native American Investment Initiatives amendment to H.R. 5297 the Small Business Jobs and Credit Act of 2010 and our voice is mirrored by other National Organizations and efforts. The proposed Native American Investment Initiatives amendment will do the following:       



o  95% guarantee for loans to Indian owned businesses working on projects to develop reservation economies. This is an increase from 90% and assists the National Center in providing a needed tool in supporting Native American business, commerce and economic development.



o  Issue guarantees to business that grant loans to tribes and individual Indians doing business in Indian country. This creates a business model that financing companies are reducing their perceived possible risk with Tribal projects.



o  Indian Financing Act authorizes Interior to issue supplemental guarantees through surety bonds on behalf of Tribes and Tribal businesses. This allows Tribal construction firms to bid on larger projects so Tribes don't have to look outside their own citizens. This includes Tribal Business Entities.



o  The Demonstration permanently authorizes Tribes to combine various federal employment training programs of the Departments of Interior, Health and Human Services, and Labor into a single integrated Plan that will then have a consolidated budget and a single, consolidated reporting system.



o  In addition, an annual meeting with Tribes, Tribal Organizations, Federal Agencies and the White House shall be implemented into law.



o  Authorizes Tribes to develop their own land leasing regulations. All federally recognized Indian tribes will be able to lease trust lands without having to obtain the approval of the Secretary of Interior (HEARTH Act of 2010). Under current law, all leases of Indian lands have to be approved by the Secretary of the Interior. This includes homes to crop leases. This assists the National Center in developing regulations with tribes to spur economic development initiatives; without the Secretary's permission.



This bill will help create commerce, jobs, economic opportunities and provide greater access to capital for Native business opportunities without authorizing any new spending. This amendment is sponsored by Sen. Dorgan and it will need to be added to H.R. 5297. Please thank Senator Dorgan and support the Native American Investment Initiatives amendment to H.R. 5297 the Small Business Jobs and Credit Act of 2010.



The Senate debate begins today. Now is the time.



Respectfully,



Eric S. Trevan

President and Chief Executive Officer

The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development