Montana Lawmakers discuss jobs, economy for tribal nations at Indian caucus

Economic recovery and jobs creation top the Montana American Indian Caucus’ legislative agenda, Indian lawmakers said at a news conference at the Capitol on Tuesday.

Nine Indian legislators plus Sen. Joe Tropila, D-Great Falls, represent all eight of Montana’s tribal nations, including the Little Shell.

"Each member of our caucus is working hard to create policy and to provide resources to help our respective communities’ progress," said Sen. Carol Juneau, D-Browning. "We represent the communities of Montana with the highest unemployment rates, the poorest educational achievement, and many issues that need the attention of Montana. We are being asked to tighten our belts, but many families that we represent have tightened their belts as far as they will go."

By JOHN S. ADAMS Tribune Capitol Bureau

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