As COVID-19 continues to impact the health and economic position of those around the world, the amount of both information and questions are on the rise. NAFOA is here to provide resources for those in Indian Country who want to stay abreast of the latest developments. This page will provide timely updates on the status of legislative efforts to provide relief to Indian Country, which includes the progress of the Tribal COVID-19 working group comprised of all the national and regional native organizations across the country, as well as pertinent notices from various federal agencies, and links to the resource pages of our other partner organizations.
VACCINE INFORMATION
FDA Approves Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine
https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-covid-19-vaccineCDC COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.htmlMyths about COVID-19 Vaccine
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/facts.htmlHow to Find Places to get COVID-19 Vaccine
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/How-Do-I-Get-a-COVID-19-Vaccine.html?s_cid=10503:how%20to%20get%20covid%20vaccine:sem.ga:p:RG:GM:gen:PTN:FY21Lyft Discounted or Free Rides to get COVID Vaccine
https://www.lyft.com/vaccine-accessIHS COVID-19 Vaccine Plan
https://www.ihs.gov/coronavirus/vaccine/COVID-19 WEBSITES AND RESOURCES
College During COVID-19
https://www.aigcs.org/college-during-covid-19/NAFOA joins Boston’s NPR New Station WBUR to discuss Biden’s ARP
https://www.wbur.org/onpoint/2021/03/23/31-billion-native-american-communities-bidenUSDA Reopens Program Sign-Up to a Larger Share of Producers with Plans to Expand Outreach and New Programming
https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2021/03/24/after-identifying-gaps-previous-aid-usda-announces-pandemicAmerican Jobs Plan
https://mcusercontent.com/5fdaa92d88375a474b912b0f3/files/f1339a72-7c37-4c87-b4ab-279923a8ce95/AmericanJobsPlanOutline.pdfRECENT COVID BROADCASTS
Policy Alert: Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill Passes the House
Last Friday night, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 3684 - the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The bill is now headed to President Joe Biden and is excepted to be signed into law later tonight.
- COVID-19
September 20: 5 Things You Need to Know this Week
NAFOA is looking forward to welcoming everyone safely in San Antonio and will continue to follow CDC guidelines. Since the CDC is now advising those vaccinated (either fully or partially) to wear face masks indoors in public, NAFOA is now recommending that all attendees (vaccinated and unvaccinated) wear a face mask while attending NAFOA's Fall Conference.
- COVID-19
September 13: 5 Things You Need to Know this Week
The Treasury Department's State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) deadline for Tribal governments to submit a Notice of Intent (NOI) is currently scheduled for Thursday, September 16th. The SSBCI received $10b in funding as part American Rescue Plan, signed by President Biden this past March, and aims to fund state, territory, and Tribal government small business credit support and investment programs.
- COVID-19
Policy Alert: Treasury Announces Formula to Distribute $20 Billion in COVID-19 Relief to Tribal Governments
On Monday, May 10, the U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury) announced the much awaited distribution of $20 Billion to Tribal Governments for Coronavirus Relief. This announcement described the methodology Treasury used to allocate the funds as well as the timeline for distribution, upcoming information sessions, and the regulation determining allowable uses and requirements for the funds.
- COVID-19
LEGISLATIVE PROCESS AND RESPONSE
The legislative relief effort will be the result of several phases of legislation. There are discussions of a possible next phase coming soon. We are working with Native national and regional organizations to push for health, nutrition, economic, and governance relief throughout this entire process. There are several more priority items that we are working to include in later phases of this ongoing relief effort.
PHASE 1
Full Text: Public Law No: 116-123 Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020
Summary: Public Law No: 116-123 Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020
Tribal Inclusion: This legislation provides at least $40 million dollars for "tribes, tribal organizations, urban Indian health organizations, or health service providers to tribes, to carry out surveillance, epidemiology, laboratory capacity, infection control, mitigation, communications, and other preparedness and response activities."
Tribal Response: the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) submitted a letter to the Secretary of Health and Human Services advising how the $40 million tribal set-aside could best be distributed to get needed resources to Indian Country quickly and efficiently.
PHASE 2
Full Text: Public Law: 116-127 Families First Coronavirus Response Act, 2020
Summary: Public Law: 116-127 Families First Coronavirus Response Act, 2020
Tribal Inclusion: The legislation guarantees free coronavirus testing, establishes paid leave, enhances Unemployment Insurance, expands food security initiatives, and increases federal Medicaid funding. The act specifically allocates $64 million to the Indian Health Service to cover the costs of COVID-19 diagnostic testing for Indians receiving care through the Indian Health Service or through an Urban Indian Health Organization. The Act ensures coverage of testing for COVID-19 at no cost sharing for Indians receiving contract health services. Additionally, the Act provides nutrition services for older Native Americans.
PHASE 3
Summary: Public Law 116-123 Senate Committee on Indian Affairs Summary of Tribal Wins
PHASE 3.5
Full Text: Public Law No: 116-139, Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act, 2020
Summary: NAFOA Summary
DECEMBER 2020 COVID RELIEF BILL
Full Text: H.R.133 - Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021
Summary: COVID-19 Emergency Relief Package - Topline Summary
AGENCY RESOURCES
Department of Treasury
IRS
Small Business Administration
Office of Management and Budget
- M-20-17: Administrative Relief for Recipients and Applicants of Federal Financial Assistance Directly Impacted by the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) due to Loss of Operations
- M-20-11: Administrative Relief for Recipients and Applicants of Federal Financial Assistance Directly Impacted by the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Department of Agriculture
Department of Agriculture
Department of Energy
Department of Housing and Urban Development
Department of the Interior
TRIBAL RESOURCES
Coronavirus Relief Fund Litigation
- District Court Opinion: Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation et al v. Mnuchin (Civil Action No. 2020-1002.) (4/27/2020)
- Plaintiff: Chehalis Reservation et al - Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief
- Defendant: Mnuchin - Defendant's Consolidated Opposition to Plaintiff's Motion for Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction
- NAFOA and Tribal Amicus Brief
- Alaska Native Village Corporation Amicus Brief
Government-to-Government Tribal Consultation
NAFOA Tribal Leader Primer for Coronavirus Relief Fund Consultation