The tribes in Maine are treated differently than the other 570 federally recognized tribes across the country. When Congress passes federal legislation that applies to Indian Country, the tribes in Maine must be explicitly written into the legislation – and must use their time and resources to lobby Congress to be included.
This is an excessive burden on the tribes. Imagine if your hometown had to lobby the state to be included in any piece of state legislation? This is exactly what the tribes in Maine have to do with Congress. LD 2004 would fix this by ensuring federal laws impacting tribes apply to the tribes in Maine.
This legislation does not only impact the Wabanaki Nations – surrounding rural communities will also benefit when their neighbors are better off. This legislation would begin the process of placing the Wabanaki Nations in Maine on equal footing with other tribes around the country, and begin to set them and their rural neighbors on a path to prosperity.
As many Maine Legislators as possible must vote in favor of this bill to ensure it passes – especially given the anticipated veto by the governor.
Please send a message to your legislators now urging them to vote in favor of LD 2004.
Thank you for taking action,
