Tribal nations reflect on high vaccination rates

A recent “Rural Assembly Roundtable” featured Tribal leaders from Coeur d’Alene, Gila River, Walker River Paiute and the Navajo Nation. Discussions during the roundtable focused on Indigenous peoples’ response to the pandemic, the challenges the health emergency placed on Tribes, and the growing success in Tribal vaccination rates.

The American Rescue Plan 2021 CTC expansion

The recent COVID-19 relief package, officially called the American Rescue Plan, contains a major measure that is poised to have a substantial impact on rural child poverty.

Senate confirms first Native American Cabinet secretary

The U.S. Senate confirmed Deb Haaland, a member of New Mexico’s Laguna Pueblo, to the interior secretary position. The confirmation marks the first Cabinet level position held by a Native American.

Pharmacy deserts could impact vaccine distribution

A recent analysis by the Rural Policy Research Institute sheds light on “pharmacy deserts” or counties with few or no local pharmacies. In-depth research shows that 111 rural counties, mostly between the Mississippi River and the Rocky Mountains, have no pharmacies.

Biden administration proposes changes to Paycheck Protection Program

The new administration is looking to make changes to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). PPP was created as a forgivable loan program for small businesses impacted by COVID-19 and was included in the CARES Act of 2020.