Johnson, Vasquez Bill Ensures Tribal Children Have Fair Shot at High-Quality Education

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) introduced the Parity for Tribal Educators Actto address teacher shortages in Indian country. The legislation would provide teachers at tribally controlled schools the same federal retirement benefits that teachers at Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) schools receive, ensuring tribal students have equal access to educational opportunity.

"Tribal educators are doing the same work as their Bureau of Indian Affairs counterparts. They should have access to the same retirement programs. The Parity for Tribal Educators Actfixes that disparity and would help recruit and retain tribal educators," said Johnson. "I'm grateful for Rep. Vasquez's partnership on this issue to improve the quality of education tribal schools across America."

"This bill is about doing right by our Tribal communities, overcoming recruitment and retention issues, and making sure every child in New Mexico has a fair shot at success," said Vasquez. "Giving Tribal teachers the benefits they deserve helps keep Tribal schools staffed with quality educators - the type of quality educators who help Tribal students unlock their brightest futures possible."

The Parity for Tribal Educators Actis endorsed by National Indian Education Association and the National Congress of American Indians.

"We appreciate Congressman Johnson's leadership in supporting this legislation. For too long, tribal schools have faced inequities in retirement benefits. This bill will help tribally controlled schools in South Dakota recruit and retain the talented teachers our students deserve," said Cecilia Firethunder, President of the Oglala Lakota Nation Education Coalition.

"The National Indian Education Association supports the Parity for Tribal Educators Act. We appreciate the leadership of Representatives Gabe Vasquez and Dusty Johnson in advancing legislation that strengthens teacher retention in tribally controlled schools and helps ensure educators receive equitable, high-quality employment benefits," saidJason Dropik, Executive Director of the National Indian Education Association.

"Parity for tribal educators is a matter of basic fairness. The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) is proud to endorse the Parity for Tribal Educators Act, a bipartisan effort to ensure our teachers are no longer left behind when it comes to their retirement and well-being. By strengthening recruitment and retention in Indian Country, this legislation represents a meaningful investment in Tribal schools and the students they serve," saidLarry Wright, Jr., Executive Director of the National Congress of American Indians.