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I hope this message reaches you all with good health and strong support. I hope you all read the special edition of the newsletter. As always, if you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me.
Treasurer Matt Pagels
With the gaming operations closed, we are in constant communication with their Finance Departments to understand to what extent the casinos and/or Bingo Halls will be able to transfer funds to the Nation as estimated in the original budgets for Fiscal Year 2020. These transfers support governmental services, programs and direct benefits to the enrolled members. Accordingly, a high priority is the forecasting of general, land revenue and grant funds activities, and monitoring of the budgets. With reduced revenues, this information is critical so that the Executives and Council may make informed financial decisions going forward through the coming days and weeks.
On a brighter side of Covid-19 I’m pleased to share that the Seneca Nation received $47,430.00 on March 25th, 2020 to offset the costs of providing meals to our elders. The Seneca Health Systems received $131,711.00 to offset costs related to COVID-19 testing on April 2, 2020. The Grants Team is also working with the Seneca Health System to apply for a Center for Disease Control (CDC) grant under this stimulus package. The Seneca Nation has received the following CARES Act funding thus far. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded $772,572.00 to assist the Seneca Nation Housing Authority with COVID Emergency Relief Funding through the Indian Housing Block Grant. Federal Transit Administration (FTA) awarded $400,486.00 to the Seneca Transit System to support operating, capital and other expenses. Indian Health Services (IHS) has provided $ 1.4 million dollars to help with all COVID-19 costs, emergency response, operating costs and program implementation. The Seneca Nation is following up on the follow CARES Act funding opportunities, continuously.
Some of you may be aware of the CARES third bill which awards $8 Billion to nations and tribes. The nation has applied and is able and willing to justify all awards and more information will be coming very soon. The Federal Government is pushing to expend funds by April 24th. These funds will be used to offset the expenses incurred by COVID-19. Stay tuned for more information and updates as we gather as much information as possible.
Stay safe, stay strong,
Treasurer Matthew Pagels
