Bill > HJR44

This resolution strongly supports the continued ability of Alaska Native corporations and entities owned by federally recognized tribes in Alaska to participate in the U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) 8(a) Business Development Program, which is a federal initiative designed to help disadvantaged businesses access government contracts. The resolution highlights that these Alaska Native entities are legally eligible for the program due to the federal government's trust responsibility towards Alaska Natives and the unique historical context of federal law concerning them. It emphasizes that participation in the 8(a) program has created thousands of jobs, boosted the state's economy through reinvestment in communities, and fostered entrepreneurship, while also serving as an effective tool for federal agencies to meet their goals and advance economic inclusion and self-determination for Alaska Natives. The resolution urges the President, Congress, and the SBA to protect and fully utilize this program for Alaska Native corporations and tribal entities, opposing any efforts to weaken or eliminate its specific provisions for them, and affirms support for Alaska Native self-determination and the federal trust responsibility.