Title
A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE FEDERAL AMERICAN INDIAN TEACHER LOAN FORGIVENESS ACT OF 2014
Body
WHEREAS, the Cherokee Nation since time immemorial has exercised the sovereign rights of self-government in behalf of the Cherokee people; and,
WHEREAS, the Cherokee Nation is a federally recognized Indian Nation with a historic and continual government to government relationship with the United States of America; and,
WHEREAS, the Cherokee Nation is a major supporter of education initiatives and funding for tribal citizens as well as Native American school teachers; and,
WHEREAS, the National Congress is considering the American Indian Teacher Loan Forgiveness Act of 2014 by Senate Bill 2458 and House Resolutions 5370. The "American Indian Teacher Loan Forgiveness Act of 2014" will amend Title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965. This legislation will allow up to $17,500 of loan forgiveness to borrowers under the Federal Family Education Loan program or the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan program if you are (1) a member of an Indian tribe and (2) have been employed as a full-time teacher for five consecutive school years in an Indian school or in a local educational agency that serves at least 10 Indian students or whose schools have an enrollment of at least 25% American Indian students.
WHEREAS, American Indian students are one of the most under-represented groups in college and higher education. Many American Indian students do not have the resources available to attend college. This American Indian Teacher Loan Forgiveness Act of 2014 is one way to help American Indian students receive assistance with their student loan debt and to encourage American Indian students to focus on becoming teachers; and,
WHEREAS, the Council of the Cherokee Nation is supporting this act and is passing this resolution to be shared with the Senate and House of Representatives in Washington, D.C., to request their support and approval of the American Indian Teacher Loan Forgiveness Act of 2014; and therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CHEROKEE NATION, that the Council of the Cherokee Nation is hereby support American Indian Teacher Loan Forgiveness Act of 2014 and is passing this resolution to be shared with the Senate and House of Representatives in Washington, D.C., to request their support and approval of the American Indian Teacher Loan Forgiveness Act of 2014.