CO SM002

The Colorado Senate urges Congress to forward fund the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) Higher Education Grant Program, authorized under the federal Snyder Act of November 2, 1921 (25 U.S.C. sec. 13).

Forward funding would make grant program funds available for obligation on July 1 of each fiscal year, remaining available until September 30 of the succeeding fiscal year.

Current funding delays under continuing resolutions delay college scholarship and financial assistance payments to Indian students for tuition, books, room, and board.

BIE-funded schools and tribally controlled colleges and universities already receive forward funding pursuant to 25 U.S.C. sec. 1810, establishing precedent for similar treatment of the grant program.

Copies of the memorial are directed to the U.S. House Clerk, Senate Secretary, Colorado congressional delegation, and tribal leaders including the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, and Navajo Nation.