Norma Torres: “Public Law 102-477 establishes what is commonly known as the 477 Program to foster employment and economic development…”

“Public Law 102-477 establishes what is commonly known as the 477 Program to foster employment and economic development in Indian Country. This highly successful program authorizes tribal governments to consolidate up to 13 different Federal grant programs into a single plan with a single budget in a single reporting system. Current participants in the program have significantly improved the effectiveness of the delivery of services included in their 477 plan, while lowering administrative costs. These cost savings have been translated into more accessible and available services for their communities. The Citizen Potawatomi Nation of Oklahoma's 477 Program has been in place since 1996. Since 2010, the Nation has served well over 6,000 participants through the program. Of those who had employment as their goal, 47 percent achieved unsubsidized employment. H.R. 288 will build on this success by permanently authorizing the program, increasing the scope and availability of participating Federal grant programs, and setting a streamlined process for tribes to follow. {time} 1645 I want to congratulate Chairman Young for his tireless work on this legislation and for bringing together all of the stakeholders to address their concerns and find a workable solution. I supported this legislation last year, as it passed the House last Congress unanimously. I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation.…”