FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320
Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 29, 2025
Statement Regarding the Office of Management and Budget Memorandum
The Southern Ute Indian Tribal Council would like to provide an update to the Tribal Membership on their ongoing efforts to address the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) memorandum issued on Monday under the Trump Administration. The White House rescinded this action this morning. No official explanation has been given for the OMB’s decision to withdraw the memo. The Tribe had proactively contacted the offices of Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet as well the Office of the Attorney General for the State of Colorado. In addition, Tribal Council met with Representative Jeff Hurd on this matter to express concerns and gather clarification while highlighting the need for the continuation of the federal funding.
“The federal government has a solemn obligation to honor its trust responsibility and financial commitments. We recognize the critical importance of the programs and services that rely on these funds, and we are committed to working proactively to ensure their continued operation for the benefit of the Tribal Membership,” stated Chairman Melvin J. Baker.
Tribal Council and staff are actively monitoring arising trends and situations while conducting necessary analyses regarding Presidential Executive Orders in coordination with internal departments and offices to minimize impacts to current services and programs offered. These Executive Orders, for example, include the federal hiring freeze and the federal employee buyout offer.
Due to the rapidly evolving legal and policy landscape, leadership remains committed to informing the Tribal Membership and will provide updates as they become available.
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