Immediate Release: Tuesday, March 8, 2016
Contact: Michael Ewald, Communications Director, (605) 271-5405, press@sddp.org
Native American Education Bills Advance Through Legislature
Sioux Falls, SD (March 8, 2016)-
Senate Bill 9 passed through the House on a 62-6-2 vote today. It provides $2.2 million in funding for two new Native American education programs, Senate Bills 81 and 82.
Senate Bill 81 creates a scholarship program which streamlines the process for paraprofessionals already working in Native American schools to attain a teaching certificate.
Senate Bill 82 establishes a grant program to fund up to three new schools which would be primarily focused on Native American achievement and cultural programs—including the preservation of Native languages.
“When you lose your language, you lose your culture. When you lose your culture, you lose your identity,” said Senate Minority Leader Troy Heinert (D-Mission) one of the main advocates for the package of legislation and prime sponsor of SB 81 and 82. [DOWNLOAD AUDIO CLIP HERE]
“Senate Bills 9, 81 and 82 demonstrate not only the Democratic Party’s commitment to education but also to Native American communities,” said South Dakota Democratic Party Communications Director Michael Ewald. “In particular, Sen. Heinert, Sen. Bradford, Rep. Killer and Rep. Bordeaux were integral in building bipartisan support for these vital programs. They should be commended for their effective advocacy on behalf of tribal communities.”
The Senate passed SB 9 February 24 on a vote of 34-1. It’s final step is the Governor’s signature.
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