January 29, 2025 The word Indiana is literally defined as "the land of the Indians." When Congress divided the Northwest Territory in 1800, it named the western section the Indiana Territory, and when it became a state in 1816, Indiana became its name. In 2025, new Governor Mike Braun, in his first budget proposal in office, proposes to end funding for the Native American Indian Affairs Commission. The cut comes as part of his 15% cut to the Indiana Civil Rights Commission. That may sound like a lot of money, but it isn't. The state is spending less than $3 million a year on the ICRC in the current budget. A new governor's first budget proposal is uniquely important. Voters' eyes often glaze over when this part of governing comes up, and I get that. But budgets are where we as a people proclaim what matters to us. Though the legislature must enact the two-year spending plan, governors generally propose them at the beginning of the law-writing session. The first budget proposal from a newly elected governor is a marker. It defines his priorities to us, and in this case, aptly defines his character as well. On January 6, 2025, outgoing Governor Eric Holcomb signed a government-to-government agreement with the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians. Holcomb said in a news release, "I've sincerely enjoyed learning about Pokagon history and culture as well as getting to know and work with Chairman (Matthew) Wesaw." The state has a relationship with the federally recognized tribe, and our now former governor treated it with respect. Times have apparently changed.   Connect with Michael Leppert Visit michaelleppert.com to read the full post and links to any resources or articles mentioned. Twitter @michaelleppert  Facebook at Michael Leppert  

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