MADISON, Wis. — The biggest issues impacting Wisconsin’s 11 federally recognized tribes were put front and center for state lawmakers on Thursday.
The 20th annual State of the Tribes address took a very harmonious tone as leaders expressed gratitude to both sides of the aisle.
During his remarks, Forest County Potawatomi Chairman James Crawford highlighted issues that many Wisconsinites have in common.
“Employers around the state are struggling to fill vacant positions, and that’s especially true for communities in the rural parts of our state, and that is exactly what is happening in tribal communities,” Crawford explained. “Finding employees for tribal government and business operations remains a struggle.”
However, those struggles often come with solutions, which Crawford thanked lawmakers for.
“One clear reason is a lack of affordable housing,” Crawford said. “It’s difficult to hire a new employee if there is nowhere for them or their family to live in your community. I want to commend the Legislature and Governor Evers for taking steps this legislative session to address this problem.”
Other issues do disproportionally affect tribal nations though, including foster care and human trafficking.
“There are still issues lingering that are too important to ignore, so we need to continue to have a dialogue to find solutions, and while these problems are difficult, we appreciate the efforts you have already undertaken to address some of these important issues,” Crawford said.
While Crawford is grateful for the progress made in those areas, he reminded lawmakers that politics shouldn’t get in the way of progress.
“Republicans, Democrats—I ask that you don’t forget to find the time to set aside your differences, and to not be afraid to reach across the aisle and take purposeful time to feast together,” Crawford said.