>> CHM.

ROBERT VAN ZILE, JR.: BOOZHOO!

WHICH MEANS GREETINGS IN OJIBWE LANGUAGE.

AS NATIVE PEOPLE WE WALK IN TWO WORLDS -- ONE REFLECTIVE OF MODERN LIFE AND ONE BASED ON ANCIENT TRADITIONS AND CULTURE.

WHERE MOST PEOPLE HAVE ONE NAME, OJIBWE PEOPLE HAVE TWO.

ONE BASED ON ANCIENT TRADITIONS AND CULTURE, MINE BEING GIZHIBAA-AANAKWAD IN THE OJIBWE LANGUAGE.

AND ONE BEING REFLECTIVE OF MODERN LIFE -- MINE BEING ROBERT VAN ZILE.

I'M HONORED TO STAND BEFORE ALL OF YOU TODAY AS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SOKOAGON CHIPPEWA COMMUNITY MOLE LAKE BAND OF LAKE SUPERIOR CHIPPEWA.

THE SOKAOGON COMMUNITY RESIDES IN THE TOWN OF NASHVILLE, IN WHAT'S NOW KNOWN AS FOREST COUNTY, WISCONSIN.

THE RESERVATION IS SOUTHWEST OF THE CITY OF CRANDON NESTLED AMONG RICE LAKE AND MOLE LAKE.

ABOUT 500 TRIBAL MEMBERS LIVE ON OUR RESERVATION.

AN ADDITIONAL 1,000 MEMBERS LIVE OFF THE RESERVATION.

MIIGWECH TO MY FELLOW TRIBAL LEADERS WHO JOIN US HERE TODAY.

SPEAKING ON BEHALF OF THE ELEVEN TRIBAL NATIONS LIVING WITHIN WHAT'S NOW KNOWN AS WISCONSIN IS A GREAT RESPONSIBILITY.

FOR THOSE TRIBAL LEADERS IN ATTENDANCE, I WOULD BE HONORED IF YOU WOULD STAND AND BE RECOGNIZED WHEN I SAY YOUR NAME.

BAD RIVER BAND OF LAKE SUPERIOR CHIPPEWA: CHAIRMAN MIKE WIGGINS.

FOREST COUNTY POTAWATOMI: CHAIRMAN JAMES CRAWFORD.

HO-CHUNK NATION: PRESIDENT MARLON WHITEEAGLE.

LAC COURTE OREILLES BAND OF LAKE SUPERIOR CHIPPEWA: VICE-CHAIRWOMAN LORRAINE GOUGE.

LAC DU FLAMBEAU BANK OF LAKE SUPERIOR CHIPPEWA: PRESIDENT JOHN JOHNSON, SR. MENOMONEE INDIAN TRIBE OF WISCONSIN: CHAIRWOMAN GENA KAKKAK.

ONEIDA NATION: CHAIRMAN TEHASSI HILL.

RED RED RED CLIFF BAND OF LAKE SUPERIOR CHIPPEWA: CHAIRMAN CHRISTOPHER BOYD.

SAINT CROIX CHIPPEWA INDIANS OF WISCONSIN.

CHAIRMAN WILLIAM REYNOLDS.

STOCKBRIDGE-MUNSEE COMMUNITY BAND OF MOHICAN INDIANS: PRESIDENT SHANNON HOLSEY.

ALSO WITH US TODAY IS BROTHERTOWN INDIAN NATION VICE CHAIRWOMAN JESSICA RYAN.

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE.

[APPLAUSE] >> I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO THANK MY TRIBAL COUNCIL FOR BEING HERE TODAY.

PLEASE STAND UP AND BE RECOGNIZED.

[APPLAUSE] I'D ALSO LIKE TO RECONIZE THE COLLEGE OF MENOMONEE NATION PRESIDENT CHRISTOPHER CALDWELL WHO JOINS US HERE TODAY.

[APPLAUSE] MIIGWECH -- WHICH MEANS THANK YOU -- TO ASSEMBLY SPEAKER ROBIN VOS FOR THE INVITATION TO ADDRESS THIS CHAMBER.

THE DECISIONS MADE IN THE STATE LEGISLATURE HAVE TREMENDOUS IMPACT ON OUR TRIBAL NATIONS.

AND, OUR NATIONS HAVE TREMENDOUS IMPACT ON THE STATE.

WHICH IS WHY IT'S SO IMPORTANT OUR NATIONS AND LEGISLATIVE LEADERS ENGAGE IN MEANINGFUL CONSULTATION BEYOND THIS DAY AND THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.

TO THAT END, ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT PARTS OF OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH STATE GOVERNMENT IS PARTICIPATING IN THE STATE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS.

I AM REFERRING SPECIFICALLY TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL'S STUDY COMMITTEE ON STATE-TRIBAL RELATIONS.

THIS IS THE ONLY STUDY COMMITTEE DETAILED IN THE STATE STATUTES AND THE ONLY ONE CREATED OR RE-CREATED BI-ANNUALLY.

THANK YOU TO THE STATE LEGISLATURE FOR CONTINUING THE TRADITION OF CONSTITUTING THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON STATE-TRIBAL RELATIONS EVERY TWO YEARS.

THIS IS AN "SPECIAL COMMITTEE" IN THAT IT COMPRISES MAJORITY AND MINORITY MEMBERS OF THE STATE LEGISLATURE AND A REPRESENTATIVE OF EACH OF THE ELEVEN FEDERALLY-RECOGNIZED TRIBES LOCATED IN WISCONSIN.

THERE HAVE BEEN A NUMBER OF BILLS UNANIMOUSLY PROPOSED BY THE COMMITTEE MEANT TO CELEBRATE AND SHARE KNOWLEDGE OF NATIVE AMERICAN TRIBES BOTH FROM A HISTORICAL AND CONTEMPORARY PERSPECTIVE.

THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON STATE-TRIBAL RELATIONS IS AN EXAMPLE OF COLLABORATION BETWEEN THE STATE LEGISLATURE AND THE STATE'S ELEVEN FEDERALLY RECOGNIZED TRIBES.

I AM ABOUT TO THANK MANY PEOPLE.

PLEASE FORGIVE ME IF I MISPRONOUNCE NAMES.

I MEAN NO DISRESPECT.

I WISH TO THANK: REPRESENTATIVE JEFF MURSAU WHO SERVED AS CHAIRMAN; FORMER SENATOR JANET BEWLEY WHO SERVED AS VICE-CHAIRWOMAN.

SENATOR ANDR É JACQUE.

FORMER REPRESENTATIVE DAVID BOWEN.

REPRESENTATIVE JAMES EDMING.

REPRESENTATIVE DONNA ROZAR.

REPRESENTATIVE PAUL TITTL, AND REPRESENTATIVE ROBYN VINING.

ON BEHALF OF THE TRIBAL NATIONS, I WISH TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE ON THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE AND THANK THE LEADERS OF BOTH HOUSES FOR APPOINTING THESE SPECIAL LEGISLATORS TO SERVE ON THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE.

THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON STATE-TRIBAL RELATIONS HAS RECOMMENDED SEVEN PROPOSALS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER FOR INTRODUCTION AS LEGISLATIVE BILLS.

THESE PROPOSALS DEAL WITH: THE HIGHER EDUCATIONAL AIDS BOARD, AMERICAN INDIAN STUDIES, AMERICAN INDIAN LANGUAGE LICENSURE, TRADITIONAL TRIBAL REGALIA, VITAL RECORDS, AND ADDING INDIGENOUS PEOPLES' DAY TO THE STATUTORY LIST OF DAYS OF OBSERVANCE.

WE RESPECTFULLY ENCOURAGE SUPPORT FOR THESE MEASURES.

I ALSO WANT TO THANK THE SENATE AND ASSEMBLY LEADERSHIP FOR BEING HERE TODAY.

SENATE PRESIDENT CHRIS KAPENGA.

SENATE MAJORITY LEADER DEVIN LEMAHIEU.

SENATE MINORITY LEADER MELISSA AGARD.

ASSEMBLY MAJORITY LEADER TYLER AUGUST.

ASSEMBLY MINORITY LEADER GRETA NEUBAUER.

AND THANK YOU TO SENATOR PATRICK TESTIN, PRESIDENT PRO TEM OF THE SENATE, FOR HIS RECENT SUPPORT OF A CANNABIS BILL WE BELIEVE WILL BENEFIT TRIBES.

THANK YOU TO THE SUPREME COURT JUSTICES WHO ARE HERE TODAY: HONORABLE SUPREME COURT CHIEF JUSTICE ANNETTE KINGSLAND ZIEGLER.

JUSTICE ANN WALSH BRADLEY.

JUSTICE REBECCA GRASSL BRADLEY.

JUSTICE REBECCA FRANK DALLET.

JUSTICE BRIAN HAGEDORN.

JUSTICE JILL J. KAROFSKY.

JUSTICE PATIENCE DRAKE ROGGENSACK.

I'D ALSO LIKE TO THANK GOVERNOR TONY EVERS, LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR SARAH RODRIGUEZ, ATTORNEY GENERAL JOSH KAUL, AND SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION DR. JILL UNDERLY.

AND, I'M UNSURE IF STATE TREASURER JOHN LEIBER IS ABLE TO MAKE IT, BUT IF YOU ARE HERE, THANK YOU FOR COMING.

THIS ADMINISTRATION HAS RECOGNIZED AND REINFORCED THE TREATY RIGHTS THAT OUR ANCESTORS SACRIFICED BLOOD, PROPERTY AND EVEN THEIR LIVES TO ENSURE FUTURE SECURITY FOR NATIVE PEOPLE.

YOUR EFFORTS HAVE REMINDED PEOPLE THROUGHOUT THE STATE OF OUR RIGHTS TO HUNT, FISH AND GATHER.

THESE RIGHTS APPLY NOT ONLY ON OUR RESERVATIONS, BUT ACROSS MILLIONS OF ACRES OF CEDED TERRITORY.

THESE MILLIONS OF ACRES WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE UNITED STATES BY OUR ANCESTORS IN EXCHANGE FOR OUR TREATY RIGHTS.

THROUGH YOUR EFFORTS, THE ONGOING AND REGULAR THREATS TO OUR TRIBAL MEMBERS HAVE BEEN SOMEWHAT REDUCED.

SADLY, THREATS OF PHYSICAL VIOLENCE AND VERBAL ABUSE REMAIN REGULAR OCCURRENCES FOR OUR PEOPLE.

FINALLY, BEFORE I GET INTO THE HEART OF THE STATE OF THE TRIBES ADDRESS, I WOULD LIKE TO RECOGNIZE ALL OF THE TRIBAL ELDERS AND YOUTH, ANCESTORS, VETERANS, CULTURAL LEADERS, TRIBAL MEMBERS, EMPLOYEES AND STAFF.

YOU ARE THE VERY FOUNDATION AND THE FUTURE OF ALL WE ARE AND ALL WE CAN BE.

OUR EXISTENCE IS REFLECTIVE OF OUR RESILIENCE.

TRIBAL NATIONS PROVIDE REGIONAL ECONOMIC, CULTURAL, SOCIAL AND NATURAL RESOURCES INVESTMENTS BENEFITING ALL PEOPLE.

TRIBAL MEMBERS ARE BOTH U.S. CITIZENS AND MEMBERS OF THEIR OWN SOVEREIGN NATION.

WE CHERISH NATIVE TRADITIONS.

WE TAKE PRIDE IN OUR TRIBAL NATIONS.

AND, WE LOVE OUR COUNTRY.

IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT NATIVE AMERICANS HAVE REMAINED STEADFAST IN THEIR SERVICE AND DEFENSE OF THE UNITED STATES.

A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF NATIVE AMERICANS HAVE SERVED IN ALL OF THE NATION'S MAJOR CONFLICTS BEGINNING WITH THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR.

FURTHER, IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT NATIVE AMERICANS SERVICE IN THE ARMED FORCES IS FIVE TIMES THE NATIONAL AVERAGE.

AND NATIVE AMERICANS HAVE THE HIGHEST PER-CAPITA INVOLVEMENT OF ANY POPULATION TO SERVE IN THE U.S. MILITARY.

[APPLAUSE] AND ACCORDING TO A 2012 REPORT OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS, NATIVE AMERICANS ALSO HAVE A HIGHER CONCENTRATION OF WOMEN SERVICE MEMBERS THAN ALL OTHER GROUPS.

NEARLY 20% OF AMERICAN INDIANS AND ALASKA NATIVES SERVING IN THE MILITARY WERE WOMEN.

[APPLAUSE] MIIGWECH TO ALL OF OUR SERVICEMEN AND WOMEN FOR HONORABLY REPRESENTING OUR TRIBAL NATIONS AND FOR STEADFASTLY DEFENDING THE UNITED STATES.

THERE'S NO GREATER DEMONSTRATION OF HOW OUR PEOPLE WALK IN TWO WORLDS TO THE BENEFIT OF BOTH.

[APPLAUSE] MY GOAL TODAY IS TO BRING GREATER AWARENESS TO CHALLENGES IMPACTING NATIVE AND NON-NATIVE COMMUNITIES STATE-WIDE.

THROUGH THIS SHARED EXPERIENCE, WE ALL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO WORK TOGETHER TO GET THINGS DONE.

MANY OF YOU IN THIS ROOM ARE WORKING ON YOUR BUDGET PROPOSALS.

THERE'S BEEN A GREAT AMOUNT OF DISCUSSION STATE-WIDE ABOUT SHARED REVENUE, INCREASING COSTS, AND CATCHING UP ON INVESTING IN CRITICAL AREAS SUCH AS: INFRASTRUCTURE, HOUSING, PUBLIC SAFETY AND EMERGENCY SERVICES, MENTAL HEALTH, EDUCATION, EMPLOYEE RECRUITMENT, RETENTION AND DEVELOPMENT, AS WELL AS CLEAN AIR, WATER AND LAND AMONG OTHERS.

EVERY BUDGET CYCLE, THERE'S AN OPPORTUNITY FOR LOCAL, COUNTY, STATE AND TRIBAL GOVERNMENTS TO COLLABORATE ON CRITICAL SERVICES AND INVESTMENTS TO BRING GREATER EFFICIENCY AND EFFECTIVENESS IN DELIVERY OF THOSE SERVICES.

I WOULD ENCOURAGE EVERYONE WITH STATE BUDGET RESPONSIBILITY TO CONTINUE TO WORK WITH OUR TRIBES.

WE HAVE INSIGHTS INTO WHAT'S WORKING AND WHAT CAN BE IMPROVED UPON TOGETHER.

LET'S TACKLE HEALTHCARE.

THE SOKAOGON CHIPPEWA TRIBE ALONG WITH MANY OTHER TRIBES ARE FACING CRUCIAL HEALTHCARE CHALLENGES.

MY TRIBE IS LOCATED 45 MINUTES FROM ANY EMERGENCY CARE SETTING.

WITH THAT BEING SAID, THERE IS A LARGE BURDEN PUT ON TRIBES TO ACT AS EMERGENCY CARE GIVERS TO STABILIZE PATIENTS UNTIL WE CAN GET THEM TO A FACILITY.

MANY OF OUR TRIBES ARE LONG DISTANCES AWAY FROM EMERGENCY CARE FACILITIES.

TRIBES FACE A HUGE BARRIER WITH RECRUITING AND RETAINING MEDICAL STAFF SINCE THE PANDEMIC.

THE WAGES FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS HAS SKYROCKETED.

IT IS VERY DIFFICULT FOR A TRIBE TO COMPETE WITH THE WAGES FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS AT THIS TIME.

TRIBES WORK ON VERY LIMITED FUNDS FROM THE INDIAN HEALTH SERVICE, WHICH BARELY COVER WAGES.

WAGE PRESSURES AND DIFFICULTY RECRUITING MEDICAL TALENT TO RURAL AREAS HINDERING QUALITY PATIENT CARE.

SO HOW CAN THE STATE HELP?

A LAW CHANGE TO ALLOW TRIBES TO BE ABLE TO FUNCTION WITH NURSE PRACTITIONERS WITHOUT PHYSICIAN SUPERVISION WOULD BE VERY HELPFUL IN DELIVERING QUALITY HEALTHCARE.

[APPLAUSE] BY NOT ALLOWING NURSE PRACTITIONERS TO RUN OUR CLINICS, PATIENTS ARE SUFFERING AND NOT RECEIVING THE QUALITY CARE AND ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE REQUIRED FOR A HEALTHY POPULATION.

AS WE ALL MOW, THE COST OF UNHEALTHY PEOPLE ESSENTIALLY FUNCTIONS AS A TAX ON THE STATE UNHEALTHY PEOPLE ESSENTIALLY FUNCTIONS AS A TAX ON THE STATE UNHEALTHY PEOPLE ESSENTIALLY FUNCTIONS AS A TAX ON THE STATE UNHEALTHY PEOPLE ESSENTIALLY FUNCTIONS AS A TAX ON THE STATE, WHICH COSTS US ALL.

STUDIES SHOW NURSE PRACTITIONERS DELIVER HEALTH OUTCOMES COMPARABLE TO THOSE OF PHYSICIANS WHEN PROVIDING PRIMARY HEALTHCARE AND PREVENTATIVE SERVICES.

THESE SAME STUDIES ALSO FOUND SIMILAR LEVELS OF PATIENT SATISFACTION AND OUTCOMES FOR BLOOD PRESSURE AND BLOOD GLUCOSE CONTROL, HEALTH STATUS, AND EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT VISITS AND HOSPITALIZATIONS WHEN PATIENTS WERE TREATED BY NURSE PRACTITIONERS COMPARED WITH PHYSICIANS.

BY ALLOWING NURSE PRACTITIONERS TO RUN HEALTH CLINICS, THE STATE WOULD HELP ADDRESS PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER SHORTAGES FOR MEDICALLY AND GEOGRAPHICALLY UNDERSERVED POPULATIONS, SUCH AS THOSE FOUND IN RURAL AREAS AND ON RESERVATIONS.

THIS STRATEGY WOULD IMPROVE ACCESS TO HIGH-QUALITY, COST-EFFECTIVE HEALTHCARE DESPERATELY NEEDED IN THESE AREAS.

ANOTHER CHALLENGE IS INSURANCE.

TRIBES WERE PROMISED FREE HEALTHCARE BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IN EXCHANGE FOR MILLIONS OF ACRES OF TRIBAL LANDS.

AND, I REALIZE, THE STATE DID NOT MAKE THAT PROMISE.

BUT BEAR WITH ME.

I BELIEVE THERE'S AN OPPORTUNITY FOR US TO WORK TOGETHER TO IMPROVE HEALTHCARE ACCESS AND HEALTH OUT COMES, REDUCING NEGATIVE IMPACT TO THE STATE.

THE AMOUNT OF FEDERAL GOVERNMENT GIVES THE INDIAN HEALTH SERVICE TO DISTRIBUTE TO TRIBES DOES NOT EVEN COVER HALF THE COST OF OPERATING A TRIBAL HEALTHCARE FACILITY.

BASED ON THE PROMISE MADE BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, TRIBAL PEOPLE SHOULD ALL QUALIFY FOR MEDICAID.

THERE SHOULD BE NO POVERTY LEVEL FOR TRIBAL MEMBERS.

[APPLAUSE] OKAY, SO WHERE'S THE OPPORTUNITY FOR US TO WORK TOGETHER TO FIND A SOLUTION THAT BENEFITS TRIBES AND WISCONSIN?

WISCONSIN MEDICAID IS A JOINT FEDERAL AND STATE PROGRAM THAT PROVIDES HIGH-QUALITY HEALTHCARE COVERAGE, LONG-TERM CARE, AND OTHER SERVICES TO OVER ONE MILLION WISCONSIN RESIDENTS.

SINCE WISCONSIN MEDICAID IS JOINTLY FUNDED BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AND THE STATE, IT SEEMS THERE'S AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE STATE TO JOIN TRIBES IN MAKING THE CASE TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT THAT IT HAS NOT DELIVERED ON ITS PROMISE OF HEALTHCARE FOR TRIBAL MEMBERS.

CONSIDER WHAT THE SAVINGS COULD BE TO THE STATE IF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT FULLY FUNDED TRIBAL HEALTHCARE.

THAT'S AN INTERESTING OUTCOME THAT I BELIEVE WOULD RESULT IN SIGNIFICANT SAVINGS, IMPROVED POPULATION HEALTH, AND IMPROVED STATE FINANCES.

A SIGNIFICANT PART OF ACHIEVING A HEALTHY POPULATION STATE-WIDE ALSO REQUIRES ONGOING ATTENTION AND INVESTMENT IN MENTAL HEALTHCARE.

UNTREATED MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES CONTRIBUTE TO SUBSTANCE ABUSE, HOMELESSNESS AND UNEMPLOYMENT TO NAME A FEW AREAS THAT NEGATIVELY IMPACT ALL COMMUNITIES.

THERE'S NO QUESTION INVESTMENT IN MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES AND ACCESSIBILITY WILL POSITIVELY IMPACT ALL OF OUR COMMUNITIES.

[APPLAUSE] AS IT PERTAINS TO STEMMING THE DEADLY WAVE OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE, THERE'S A DIRE NEED FOR GREATER INVESTMENT IN LAW ENFORCEMENT AND LEGAL ACTION AGAINST THOSE SUPPLYING OUR COMMUNITIES WITH THESE SUBSTANCES.

FAR TOO MANY FAMILIES HAVE EXPERIENCED LOSS OF LOVED ONES.

FAR TOO MANY OF OUR YOUTH HAVE BEEN LOST TO THIS PLAGUE AND KNOWS NO BOUNDARIES.

DRUGS DON'T DISCRIMINATE BY RACE, HOUSEHOLD INCOME, OR GEOGRAPHY.

THE OPIOID EPIDEMIC IS RAVAGING COMMUNITIES STATE-WIDE AND TAXING THE SYSTEMS REQUIRED TO MANAGE THIS PLAGUE ON SOCIETY.

WE NEED TO WORK TOGETHER ACROSS ALL ASPECTS, FROM EMERGENCY SERVICES, TREATMENT AND LAW ENFORCEMENT TO PROSECUTION AND THE JUDICIARY, TO WIN THIS FIGHT.

SUPPORT FOR A YOUTH TREATMENT FACILITY IN THE NORTHWOODS WOULD IMPROVE OUR ABILITY TO PROVIDE PEOPLE BATTLING SUBSTANCE ABUSE WITH TREATMENT, RECOVERY AND SUPPORT AS THEY RETURN TO THEIR COMMUNITIES.

WE ASK YOU TO PARTNER WITH US TO SEE THIS THROUGH TO COMPLETION.

[APPLAUSE] ALL ELEVEN TRIBES HAVE ALREADY CONTRIBUTED FUNDS FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROPERTY TO LOCATE A TREATMENT FACILITY IN THE TOWN OF CASSIEN.

THROUGH JOINT INVESTMENT IN WE ARE DOING OUR PART.

WE NEED YOUR HELP.

[APPLAUSE] WELLNESS, TREATMENT, LAW ENFORCEMENT, AND COURT SOLUTIONS, WE BELIEVE TOGETHER TRIBAL GOVERNMENTS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE STATE HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO HELP PRESERVE AND PROTECT OUR COMMUNITIES.

THE NEXT OPPORTUNITY FOR US TO WORK TOGETHER INVOLVES ILLEGAL GAMING STATE-WIDE AND ITS IMPACT ON TAXPAYERS AND CONSUMERS ACROSS WISCONSIN.

IT'S ESTIMATED MILLIONS OF DOLLARS OF TAXABLE REVENUE IS NOT COLLECTED ON THE ESTIMATED SIXTY-THOUSAND TAVERN GAMING MACHINES ACROSS WISCONSIN.

SHOULD I SAY THAT AGAIN?

YES, THIS IS SIGNIFICANT REVENUE BEING EARNED BY TAVERNS IN COMPETITION WITH TRIBAL CASINOS.

BUT THIS TOPIC ENCOMPASSES SIGNIFICANT CONCERNS WITH GREATER IMPACT THAN JUST A REVENUE FIGHT.

BEYOND THE FACT THAT TRIBES WERE PROMISED EXCLUSIVE GAMING RIGHTS WITHIN WISCONSIN, THE STATE HAS AN OBLIGATION TO ENSURE THE INTEGRITY OF PRODUCTS BEING PRODUCED AND OFFERED TO WISCONSIN CONSUMERS.

FOR NEARLY EVERY OTHER GOOD AND SERVICE OFFERED TO WISCONSIN CONSUMERS, THERE ARE PROPER PROTECTIONS IN PLACE.

YET, TAVERN GAMING MACHINES ARE A GLARING EXAMPLE OF A PRODUCT THAT IS OFFERED TO WISCONSIN CONSUMERS WITH LITTLE OR NO REGULATIONS AND CONSUMER PROTECTIONS IN PLACE.

THE WISCONSIN TAVERN GAMING ENVIRONMENT IS RIPE FOR CONSUMERS TO BE MISLED AND RIPPED OFF.

EQUALLY CONCERNING IS THE REVENUE LOST THAT COULD OFFSET THE TAX BURDEN OF WISCONSIN TAXPAYERS.

WITHOUT PROPER PROTECTIONS IN PLACE, CONSUMERS ARE LEFT TO WONDER IF TAVERN GAMING, MANUFACTURERS, SUPPLIERS, AND OPERATORS ARE MANIPULATING DEVICES FOR PERSONAL GAIN, DISHONESTY OR THEFT.

WISCONSIN CONSUMERS ARE ALSO KNOWINGLY OR UNKNOWINGLY ENJOYING THE BENEFIT OF WINNING TAXABLE PAYOUTS ON TAVERN GAMING DEVICES WITHOUT ANY RECORD OR REQUIREMENT TO PAY APPLICABLE TAXES ON THEIR WINNINGS.

THERE SHOULD NEVER BE A PRODUCT OR SERVICE ALLOWED TO BE SOLD TO, OR EXPERIENCED BY, CONSUMERS IN THE STATE OF WISCONSIN THAT SIGNIFICANTLY LACS THE APPROPRIATE REGULATIONS AND CONSUMER PROTECTIONS THAT ARE REQUIRED TO BE IN PLACE FOR THE BENEFIT OF WISCONSIN CONSUMERS.

THE STATE OF WISCONSIN HAS A SIGNIFICANT RESPONSIBILITY TO EITHER ELIMINATE THE ILLEGAL TAVERN GAMING ENVIRONMENT, OR SIGNIFICANTLY AND FORMALLY ADDRESS THE GLARING LACK OF REGULATORY OVERSIGHT AND CONSUMER PROTECTIONS THAT CURRENTLY EXIST IN THE TAVERN GAMING ENVIRONMENT.

TO NOT ACT ON EITHER ONE OF THESE OPTIONS DEPRIVES THE STATE OF VALUABLE REVENUE AND THE ABILITY TO PROVIDE TAX RELIEF TO ITS CITIZENS.

FURTHERMORE, IT EXPOSES THOSE SAME CITIZENS TO AN UNREGULATED GAMING AND POTENTIALLY ILL-GOTTEN GAINS FROM HARD WORKING MEN AND WOMEN OF WISCONSIN.

BEYOND GETTING GRASP ON LOST REVENUE FROM ILLEGAL GAMING AND PROVIDING CONSUMER PROTECTIONS, THERE'S ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY FOR THE STATE AND TRIBES TO COLLABORATE ON CASINO REVENUES FOR GREATER IMPACT ON TRIBAL COMMUNITIES.

WE ARE ALL AWARE THAT EVERY TRIBE, AS WELL AS THE STATE, BENEFITS FROM TRIBAL CASINO REVENUES.

EACH OF OUR TRIBES HAS CASINOS.

DEPENDING ON THE LOCATION, CASINO REVENUES VARY DRASTICALLY.

FOR MOST OF US, REVENUE FROM GAMING GOES TO HELP OUR MEMBERS MEET BASIC NEEDS LIKE HEALTH, HOUSING, HEATING, EDUCATION AND MORE.

ONCE THOSE FUNDS ARE EXHAUSTED, MOST OF US FALL SHORT OF PROVIDING BASIC SERVICES, MUCH LESS HAVING ENOUGH TO INVEST IN ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION.

FOR OUR TRIBES TO MAKE STRIDES TOWARD ECONOMIC SELF-SUSTAINABILITY, WE MUST DIVERSIFY OUR ECONOMIC ENGINES BEYOND CASINO REVENUES.

WE BELIEVE THERE'S AN OPPORTUNITY AND A NEED TO REEXAMINE SHARED GAMING REVENUE AS A MEANS TO FACILITATE TRIBAL ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION EFFORTS AND MEET THE BASIC NEEDS OF OUR PEOPLE.

SIMILAR TO THE STATE CORPORATE INCOME TAX, THE RATE FOR CASINOS IS ON AVERAGE SEVEN TO TEN PERCENT.

THE TOTAL AMOUNT CONTRIBUTED BY TRIBES ANNUALLY HAS AVERAGED ABOUT $60 MILLION.

ABOUT HALF OF THAT AMOUNT GOES INTO GENERAL PURPOSE REVENUE AND THE OTHER HALF GETS APPROPRIATED BETWEEN STATE PROGRAMS AND TRIBAL PROGRAMS.

OF THE FUNDS APPROPRIATED, ABOUT 60% GO TO STATE PROGRAMS AND 40% TO TRIBAL PROGRAMS.

ABOUT $12 MILLION PROVIDES FUNDING FOR 25-30 SEPARATE TRIBAL PROGRAMS.

FUNDING LEVELS FOR THESE PROGRAMS HAVE BEEN FROZEN FOR THE PAST 20 YEARS.

THESE PROGRAMS ARE VITAL TO OUR TRIBES.

AS YOU CONSIDER SIGNIFICANT INCREASES TO SHARED REVENUE TO COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES, WE BELIEVE THERE'S GREAT BENEFIT TO INCREASING FUNDING FOR IMPORTANT TRIBAL PROGRAMS AS WELL.

IN THE PRIOR STATE BUDGET, GOVERNOR EVERS PROPOSED A $1 MILLION GRANT TO EACH TRIBE FROM TRIBAL GAMING REVENUES.

UNFORTUNATELY, ALL THOSE FUNDS WERE NOT APPROVED.

BUT THANKS TO SENATOR MARY FELZKOWSKI'S SUPPORT IN THE LEGISLATURE, $7 MILLION WERE DISTRIBUTED TO TRIBES.

GOING FORWARD, OUR HOPE IS THAT THE $15 MILLION RECOMMENDED BY GOVERNOR EVERS WILL BE APPROVED AND DISTRIBUTED IN AN EQUITABLE WAY AMONG TRIBES TO HELP MEET NEEDS OF TRIBAL COMMUNITIES.

[APPLAUSE] SWITCHING GEARS TO THE ENVIRONMENT, WE CONTINUE TO BE PRESENTED WITH A FALSE CHOICE.

WE DO NOT NEED TO CHOOSE BETWEEN HAVING ECONOMIC PROSPERITY AND BREATHING CLEAN AIR, DRINKING CLEAN WATER, AND CULTIVATING UNCONTAMINATED LAND.

[APPLAUSE] PRACTICAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES AND PROTECTIONS CREATE SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC PROGRESS AND ENCOURAGE INNOVATION THAT SUPPORTS A BETTER TOMORROW.

WITHOUT A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT, MUCH LIKE A HEALTHY BODY, EVERYTHING ELSE BECOMES MEANINGLESS.

EVERYWHERE WE LOOK, WE CAN SEE HOW INTERCONNECTED WE ARE WITH OUR SURROUNDINGS.

WHAT YOU SEE IS A WORLD THAT IS SLOWLY POISONING ITSELF.

[APPLAUSE] FOREVER CHEMICALS, MERCURY, AND OTHER POISONS IN OUR WATER SUPPLY ARE LEACHING INTO OUR FISH IN HIGH CONCENTRATIONS.

SOME REPORTS HAVE THAT CONCENTRATION IN FISH AT HIGHER LEVELS THAN RECOMMENDED CONTAMINATION LEVELS IN DRINKING WATER.

THIS IS ONE EXAMPLE OF HOW WE ARE SLOWLY POISONING OURSELVES.

THERE ARE MANY OTHER EXAMPLES.

A RECENT STUDY FROM DUKE UNIVERSITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING GROUP RESEARCHERS FOUND LARGE CONCENTRATIONS OF FOREVER CHEMICALS IN FRESHWATER FISH SAMPLED NATIONWIDE BY THE EPA FROM 2013-2015, WITH THE HIGHEST LEVELS FOUND IN THE GREAT LAKES.

IF ALL CONSUMPTION ADVISORIES INCORPORATED THE EPA'S LATEST HEALTH GUIDANCE, THE STUDY FOUND, NEARLY ALL SAMPLED FISH WOULD BE CONSIDERED "UNSAFE TO EAT."

LET'S PUT THAT ONE FINDING IN A REALLY MEANINGFUL CONTEXT.

LET'S PUT THAT ONE FINDING IN VERY REAL AND MEANINGFUL CONTEXT TO A WISCONSIN TRADITION NEARLY ALL WISCONSINITES ENJOY.

OUR BELOVED WISCONSIN FRIDAY FISH FRY MIGHT JUST REQUIRE A MR. YUCK STICKER TO PREVENT PEOPLE FROM POISONING THEMSELVES.

IF POISONING OURSELVES ISN'T MOTIVATION ENOUGH FOR US TO PRODUCE EFFECTIVE ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES, LOOK NO FURTHER THAN THE VALUE OF MOST PEOPLE'S GREATEST FINANCIAL INVESTMENT, THEIR HOME.

WHAT IS THE VALUE OF A HOME WITH NO WATER SUPPLY?

A POISONED WELL, OR SURFACE WATER SOURCE, MAKES THE HOME VALUE ZERO.

I WOULD ARGUE, THE VALUE IS LESS THAN ZERO.

BECAUSE THE HEALTH OF THE HOMEOWNERS AND THEIR FAMILIES CONSUMING FOREVER CHEMICALS, FOR EXAMPLE, COST MORE THAN MONEY.

IT COST THEM THEIR HEALTH AND PEACE OF MIND.

WITH THIS IN MIND, I WOULD ENCOURAGE THE STATE TO WORK WITH TRIBES, WHO FOR UNDREDS OF YEARS HAVE LIVED CLOSE TO LAND.

OUR EXPERIENCE PROTECTING AND PRESERVING OUR ENVIRONMENT WOULD BE A VALUED RESOURCE IN DESIGNING FORWARD-LOOKING POLICIES TO ENSURE ALL THE ECONOMIC VALUE GENERATED WITHIN WISCONSIN IS BUILT ON SOLID GROUND FOR GENERATIONS.

THERE ARE MANY EXAMPLES OF COLLABORATION AMONG TRIBES AND THE STATE.

AND THERE COULD BE MANY MORE.

ONE EXAMPLE INVOLVES THE TRIBES' WORK WITH THE WISCONSIN DNR.

TRIBAL FISH HATCHERIES SUPPLY HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF WALLEYE AND MUSKIE TO RESTOCK LAKES, BOTH ON-RESERVATION AND OFF-RESERVATION LAKES, FOR ALL TO ENJOY.

AS GREAT AS OUR HISTORIC COLLABORATION IS ON PRODUCING FISH, I WOULD ASK YOU TO CONSIDER THIS QUESTION: DO THOSE FISH THEN CONTRIBUTE TO THE FOOD SUPPLY, AND EVEN DRIVE TOURISM DOLLARS TO THE STATE ECONOMY, IF THE WATER IS CONTAMINATED, FISH ABSORB TOXINS AND THEN NO ONE CAN EAT THE POISONED FISH?

MORE COLLABORATION CERTAINLY IS REQUIRED TO ENSURE OUR ECONOMY IS BUILT ON SUSTAINABLE GROUND.

RIGHT NOW, ENBRIDGE ENERGY CONTINUES TO POISON OUR ENVIRONMENT AND FIGHT FOR THE ONGOING RIGHT TO DO SO BY RUNNING LINE 5 THROUGH AREAS THAT IMPACT THOSE LIVING IN AND AROUND THE BAD RIVER RESERVATION.

ALARMINGLY, LINE 5 HAS A LONG HISTORY OF UNLEASHING ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE, ACCORDING TO STUDIES.

IN THE LAST 50 YEARS, THE PIPELINE HAS HAD 29 SPILLS, RELEASING A TOTAL OF 1.1 MILLION GALLONS OF TOXIC OIL INTO THE ENVIRONMENT.

RESEARCHERS RECENTLY DETERMINED THAT MOST SPILLS WERE NOT EVEN DISCOVERED BY ENBRIDGE'S LEAK DETECTION SYSTEMS, WHICH ENBRIDGE USES TO JUSTIFY RECKLESS PIPELINE ROUTES.

WHY DO WE ALL ALLOW THE SYSTEMATIC, SLOW POISONING OF THE RESOURCES WE ALL REQUIRE TO LIVE?

TO DATE, THERE HAS NOT BEEN AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STUDY ON THE LINE 5 REROUTE, NOR LINE 5'S IMPACTS ON THE BAD RIVER WATERSHED OR THE POTENTIAL POISONING OF THE APOSTLE ISLAND REGION.

WE WOULD ENCOURAGE THE STATE TO CONDUCT AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STUDY OF LINE 5.

WE WOULD ENCOURAGE THE STATE TO CONSIDER IS THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF A PIPELINE THAT DID NOT EXIST.

IN OTHER WORDS, WHAT IF WE DISALLOWED THE PIPELINE ALTOGETHER?

[APPLAUSE] WHAT WOULD BE THE POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT TO LAKE SUPERIOR, WHICH IS PART OF THE GREAT LAKES, WHICH CONTAINS 20% OF THE WORLD'S FRESH WATER SUPPLY?

I'D SAY IT WOULD STAND A FIGHTING CHANCE TO PROVIDE CLEAN DRINKING WATER AND UNCONTAMINATED FISH FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS.

[APPLAUSE] ONE FINAL NOTE ON THE ENVIRONMENT.

THIS YEAR MARKS THE 20 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE SOKAOGON CHIPPEWA COMMUNITY'S EFFORTS TO STOP THE CRANDON MINE.

[APPLAUSE] WITH THAT IN MIND, I WOULD OFFER A WORD OF CAUTION TO ALL WHO VALUE CLEAN WATER, AIR AND LAND.

MINING EFFORTS ARE RAMPING UP AROUND THE WORLD FOR MINERALS.

BY SOME ESTIMATES, THE LEVEL OF MINERALS REQUIRED TO MEET GLOBAL DEMAND WILL INCREASE MINING ACTIVITY BY 3-5 TIMES THE CURRENT AMOUNT OF MINERAL PRODUCTION.

THOSE SAME ESTIMATES INDICATE THE CURRENT NUMBER OF MINES WORLDWIDE WILL NOT BE CAPABLE OF MEETING GLOBAL DEMAND.

THIS MEANS MORE COMPANIES WILL PUSH FOR MORE MINES TO BE OPENED, RESULTING IN AN EVEN GREATER THREAT OF POLLUTING OUR NATURAL RESOURCES THAT WE ALL DEPEND ON FOR SURVIVAL.

[APPLAUSE] AND, AS MUCH AS OUR HEALTH DEPENDS ON OUR ABILITY TO CONSUME UNCONTAMINATED RESOURCES, THE ACTIVITIES BY MINING COMPANIES ALSO THREATEN OUR ECONOMIC PROSPERITY.

ONE SIMPLE EXAMPLE INVOLVES THE BILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN TOURISM OUR STATE ENJOYS, BASED IN PART ON THE NATURAL RESOURCES WE HAVE FOR PEOPLE TO EXPERIENCE.

RUIN THOSE NATURAL RESOURCES AND PEOPLE WILL TAKE THEIR TOURISM DOLLARS ELSEWHERE.

[APPLAUSE] NOW LET'S TAKE A LOOK AT EDUCATION IN OUR SCHOOLS.

THERE CONTINUES TO BE ONGOING NEED FOR GREATER UNDERSTANDING OF OUR CULTURE TO LESSEN THE UGLY SIDE OF HUMAN NATURE WHEN IGNORANCE OPENS THE DOOR TO DISCRIMINATION.

AN IMPORTANT STATE LAW THAT GREW OUT OF A DARK PERIOD FOR TRIBAL PEOPLE WAS THE PASSAGE OF THE WISCONSIN INDIAN EDUCATION ACT, OR BETTER KNOWN AS ACT 31.

THE INTENT OF THAT LEGISLATION WAS TO ESTABLISH EDUCATION OBJECTIVES FOR TEACHING OUR YOUNG PEOPLE, BOTH INDIAN AND NON-INDIAN, ABOUT TRIBAL HISTORY, CULTURE, AND TRIBAL SOVEREIGNTY.

THE LAW REQUIRES THAT SCHOOLS MAKE AN EFFORT TO TEACH THESE TOPICS AT LEAST TWICE IN ALL ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS AND ONCE IN HIGH SCHOOLS.

I BELIEVE WE ALL CAN AGREE THAT FOR A PERSON TO EVOLVE THEIR UNDERSTANDING OF THE AROUND THEM, IT TAKES MORE THAN ONE TO TWO LESSONS.

[APPLAUSE] ACT 31 HAS BEEN FOLLOWED CLOSELY BY SOME SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND SCHOOLTEACHERS.

UNFORTUNATELY, IN MANY DISTRICTS, WE DO NOT THINK THE GOAL OF THE LEGISLATION HAS BEEN ADEQUATELY MET.

[APPLAUSE] FOR THIS REASON, THE STATE-TRIBAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE HAS DEVELOPED LEGISLATION DESIGNED TO GET MORE SCHOOLS, SCHOOL OFFICIALS, AND TEACHERS TO CARRY OUT THE ORIGINAL GOAL OF ACT 31.

WE HOPE THIS LEGISLATURE WILL SUPPORT THESE BILLS COMING BEFORE YOU THIS SESSION.

STICKING WITH THE EDUCATION FOCUS, WE BELIEVE THE STATE EDUCATION SYSTEM REMAINS STRONG OVERALL.

BUT THERE REMAINS A BLACK CLOUD HANGING OVER IT, THE USE OF INDIAN MASCOTS AND LOGOS.

MANY SCHOOL DISTRICTS HAVE ALREADY MADE WHAT WE THINK IS THE RIGHT DECISION TO PHASE OUT THE USE OF THEIR MASCOT OR LOGO OVER A PERIOD OF TIME.

OTHER SCHOOL DISTRICTS HAVE ALSO EXPRESSED AN INTEREST IN CHANGING THEIR MASCOTS, BUT THEY FEAR THE COST IS GREATER THAN THEIR BUDGETS CAN WITHSTAND.

WE UNDERSTAND THE COST CONCERNS AND THINK A GOOD WAY TO OVERCOME THOSE CONCERNS MIGHT BE TO PROVIDE SOME ONE-TIME FUNDING FROM TRIBAL GAMING PROCEEDS TO SHARE IN THE COST OF MAKING THOSE CHANGES.

[APPLAUSE] THERE MAY BE OTHER REASONS WHY A SCHOOL MIGHT NOT WANT TO MAKE THOSE CHANGES, BUT AT THE VERY LEAST, LET'S REMOVE THE COST HURDLE TO CREATE A MORE INCLUSIVE, LESS OFFENSIVE ENVIRONMENT FOR ALL CHILDREN TO LEARN.

[APPLUSE] WE CERTAINLY VIEW TRIBAL MASCOTS AND LOGOS AS REFLECTING A LACK OF UNDERSTANDING, RESPECT, AND DIGNITY.

WE ALSO BELIEVE A LACK RESPECT AND DIGNITY PLAYS A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN THE EPIDEMIC IMPACTING TRIBAL WOMEN AND GIRLS.

THE MISSING AND MURDERED INDIGENOUS WOMEN AND RELATIVES OR M-M-I-W-R CRISIS AFFECTS EVERYONE IN OUR STATE REGARDLESS OF AGE, RACE, OR POLITICAL PARTY.

[APPLAUSE] WE ASK THAT THE LEGISLATURE WORK WITH THE TRIBES TO ESTABLISH MANDATORY CONSULTATION AND IMPLEMENTATION PROTOCOLS.

FOR IMPROVED IDENTIFICATION AND DATA COLLECTION, AS WELL AS ALLOCATION OF FUNDS AND RESOURCES FOR VICTIM AND PREVENTION SERVICES.

[APPLAUSE] IN ADDITION, WE ASK THAT THIS LEGISLATURE TO APPROVE GOVERNOR EVERS' PROPOSAL TO CREATE A STATE OFFICE DEDICATED TO COMBATING VIOLENCE AGAIN INDIGENOUS PEOPLE.

[APPLAUSE] THROUGH RECIPROCAL ENGAGEMENT, CONSULTATION, AND IMPLEMENTATION, WE BELIEVE THERE'S AN OPPORTUNITY TO BUILD ON OUR EXISTING EFFORTS WITH STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS.

RECENT DECADES HAVE SEEN STEADY GROWTH IN THE SCOPE AND SOPHISTICATION OF TRIBAL GOVERNMENTS IN WISCONSIN AND ELSEWHERE IN THE NATION.

TRIBES ARE CONTINUALLY TAKING ON MORE OF THE STANDARD FUNCTIONS OF GOVERNMENTS AND OFFERING MORE SERVICES TO THEIR MEMBERS.

THIS IS TRUE IN THE AREA OF LAW ENFORCEMENT AND OTHER FUNCTIONS.

LAW ENFORCEMENT IS AN IMPORTANT AREA WHERE TRIBES HAVE EXTENSIVE INTERACTION WITH THE STATE, PARTICULARLY THROUGH COOPERATION WITH COUNTY SHERIFFS' DEPARTMENTS.

FOR EXAMPLE, SOME TRIBAL POLICE OFFICERS HAVE STATE ARREST POWERS AND SOME ARE DEPUTIZED BY THE SHERIFFS OF THE COUNTIES WHERE THE TRIBES ARE LOCATED.

THE SERVICES PROVIDED BY, AND SPECIALIZED CAPABILITIES OF, THE TRIBAL POLICE DEPARTMENTS VARY CONSIDERABLY.

BUT THERE IS SOME COMMONALITY AMONG THEM.

ALL PROVIDE BASIC PATROL SERVICES ON THE RESERVATION, AND OFF, MOST PARTICIPATE IN THE NATIVE AMERICAN DRUG AND GANG INITIATIVE, AND MANY HAVE SCHOOL LIAISON OFFICERS.

MOST TRIBAL POLICE DEPARTMENTS COOPERATE EXTENSIVELY WITH COUNTY SHERIFFS' DEPARTMENTS.

THIS COOPERATION INCLUDES PERFORMING JOINT DISPATCH FUNCTIONS, ASSISTING EACH OTHER IN CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS, AS WELL AS PARTICIPATION IN REGIONAL SWAT TEAMS, EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAMS, AND DRUG AND GANG PREVENTION TEAMS, TO MAKE A FEW.

IN ADDITION, MANY TRIBES HAVE COOPERATIVE LAW ENFORCEMENT PROGRAMS OR MUTUAL ASSISTANCE AGREEMENTS WITH COUNTIES.

THE REALITY OF PROVIDING EFFECTIVE LAW ENFORCEMENT FOR PEOPLE LIVING ON AND AROUND OUR RESERVATIONS, HAVING STATE-CERTIFIED OFFICERS WHO ARE CROSS-TRAINED AND DEPUTIZED BY THE COUNTY SHERIFF, ALSO MEANS THOSE OFFICERS HAVE A GREAT DEAL OF FLEXIBILITY TO SEAMLESSLY MOVE TO A NEW JOB WITHIN THE WISCONSIN LAW ENFORCEMENT SYSTEM.

OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS, TRIBAL NATIONS HAVE EXPERIENCED THEIR OFFICERS LEAVING TO TAKE EMPLOYMENT WITH A COUNTY OR MUNICIPAL POLICE DEPARTMENT WITHIN A RELATIVELY SHORT PERIOD AFTER THEY HAVE COMPLETED TRAINING.

WE HAVE FOUND THAT ONE COMMON REASON OFFICERS LEAVE IS THAT THEY ARE ABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE WISCONSIN PENSION SYSTEM WHEN THEY WORK FOR A COUNTY OR MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT.

TRIBAL POLICE OFFICERS, HOWEVER, ARE NOT ALLOWED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE STATE PENSION PLAN.

WE WOULD PROPOSE A STATE LAW CHANGE THAT WOULD GREATLY ASSIST TRIBAL NATIONS WITH RETAINING TRIBAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS BY PERMITTING THEM TO PARTICIPATE IN THE WISCONSIN RETIREMENT SYSTEM.

[APPLAUSE] THIS PROPOSED CHANGE WOULD ALLOW TRIBAL LAW ENFORCEMENT DEPARTMENTS TO HAVE A SIMILAR RETIREMENT BENEFIT.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE, WE ALL WILL BENEFIT FROM GREATER COLLABORATION TO TACKLE MUTUAL CONCERNS AND CULTIVATE OPPORTUNITIES.

TRIBES HAVE A UNIQUE RELATIONSHIP AND LONG HISTORY OF INTERACTING WITH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.

BUT THE REALITY IS THAT WE ARE MUCH CLOSER "NEIGHBORS"TO THE STATES."

WE ARE LITERALLY NEIGHBORS OF THE MUNICIPALITIES AND COUNTIES THAT COMPRISE EACH STATE.

AS UNITED STATES CITIZENS AND MEMBERS OF OUR RESPECTIVE TRIBAL NATIONS, WE WALK IN TWO WORLDS.

BECAUSE THOSE WORLDS OFTEN OVERLAP, IN MANY CASES, TRIBES HAVE SOUGHT AND TO VARYING DEGREES HAVE RECEIVED THE AUTHORITY TO BECOME THE DELIVERY AGENTS OF STATE SERVICES FOR THE RESIDENTS OF THEIR RESERVATIONS.

THIS PRESENTS AN OPPORTUNITY AND OBLIGATION TO WORK TOGETHER TO IMPROVE THE EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE DELIVERY OF SERVICES AND EQUITABLE INVESTMENT IN ALL OF OUR COMMUNITIES.

WE BELIEVE THROUGH GREATER COLLABORATION WE CAN ACHIEVE GREATER LEVELS OF MUTUAL BENEFIT FOR ALL WHO CALL WISCONSIN HOME.

MIIGWECH!

[APPLA [APPLAUSE]