ONEIDA, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Oneida Nation Chairman Tehassi Hill is extending his appreciation to Democratic Gov. Tony Evers and several Republican legislators from Northeast Wisconsin for budget provisions he says represent Oneida Nation priorities.
Evers signed into law the state’s biennial budget on Wednesday. The budget includes four initiatives that involve partnerships with the Oneida Nation and various Northeast Wisconsin entities.
That includes $259,000 annually for the Oneida Nation to support the Healing to Wellness Court Program, a voluntary post-conviction program for adults. The program provides court resources, substance abuse treatment and community-based supports.
The Oneida Nation will also receive $175,000 annually for its collaboration with UW-Green Bay and the Northeastern Audubon Society. The partnership includes a bird monitoring effort on recently restored Oneida Nation land as well as public education and outreach programs.
Coordination between the Oneida Nation and the National Estuarine Research Reserve System, the Great Lakes Intertribal Council and UWGB will receive $110,000 annually from the budget.
STEM Camps with the Oneida Nation and UWGB will also receive $109,300 annually.
Hill thanked the following legislators by name for their advocacy work regarding the proposals: State Rep. Robert Cowles, R-2nd District; State Rep. Joy Goeben, R-5th District; State. Rep. John Macco, R-88th District. He also thanked State Rep. Eric Wimberger, R-30th District, for supporting and shepherding the proposals through the budget committee process.
