Andrea Joy Campbell: “I am pleased to be join by Senator Inouye in introducing the Tribal Government Tax Exempt Bond Fairness Act of 2003.…”

“I am pleased to be join by Senator Inouye in introducing the Tribal Government Tax Exempt Bond Fairness Act of 2003. This bill will assist Indian tribes raise capital in the private markets for purposes of job creation and economic development. The bill complements the other economic development initiative I am introducing today to discipline Federal programs aimed to help tribes strengthen their economies. While making modest adjustments in current law, this bill will have far-reaching and positive effects for tribal governments and their members around the Nation. The fact is that like State governments, tribal governments are responsible for a host of services not only to their members but to non-members who live on or hear their lands. These services include fire, police and ambulance service, road and bridge maintenance, and a host of social services. Unlike State governments, however, tribal governments face severe restrictions in their ability to finance development through debt instruments.”