Al Franken

So we're talking about the end of 2011 for a law that was written in 2001? That's 10 years to promulgate the rules.

we're just not keeping our end of the deal.

I just want to make sure we know what we're talking about here.

This country said, Do you know what? We'll promise, we'll sign treaties, we'll meet our promise, and we just haven't done it.

If the Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig School truly is in the lower 25 percent of school replacements, I shudder to think what the other 75 percent must look like.

What it really comes down to is whether the people of the United States will fulfill the obligations that it made.

You're too busy because you're flooded with money?

You told my staff earlier this year it costs approximately 30 to 50 million dollars to replace a BIE school.

I'm committed to being a partner in the Senate on this issue, and I hope to work with many of you young folk.

We also know our Federal Government has not done as good a job as it should have been doing in meeting those obligations and the promises that have been made.

Does the BIA care about my school? Do they even care?

I think with the school, modular schools, they are probably good buildings and facilities for--I wouldn't consider that, because we want to build a school that's culturally appropriate.

the education and health care of Native peoples would be taken care of, right?

I would urge you to put these online and not have this lack transparency anymore.

This is an obligation that was made by the United States of America, and I think those of us who are on Indian Affairs are very well aware of that.

Minnesota's Senior LinkAge Line was the premiere service line in the entire country, in terms of quality and volume of service.

OK, I'm wondering in reauthorizing the Older Americans Act, what can you legislate because I would think this is a more efficient system that ultimately saves dollars and saves suffering et cetera.

Minnesota has done a great job and has really been a national leader in terms of its Senior LinkAge Minnesota Help System.

So, allow each State to figure out their own to some extent.

I hear this in every facet of government--I hear it in education, you know, sometimes the funding streams dictate the decisions we make.

Sometimes it will be the only time during the day that the senior will see someone.

Well, there are some bus lines that do work--and I was just in Pine City, and they have a bus line up there that really is a life-saver for seniors.

Thank you, Ms. Moe. I have been reminded by staff to ask people to keep their testimony to 5 minutes.

In order to help seniors stay independent, we must do more to provide high-quality services to seniors in their homes.

I'm being told by my staff that we've got to keep moving on, but I want you to stay and be available for questions.