The Montana Budget and Policy Center is hosting a free virtual event to elevate Indigenous voices and educate viewers on how the state budget process works.
The symposium, Advancing Investments in Indian Country, will occur online from noon to 1 p.m. every day from Sept. 14-18.
Preston Parish, state-tribal policy analyst with the policy center, said the symposium will give attendees the information they need to engage in the state budget and legislative process.
“By moving the event online this year, we’re excited to extend our reach and make this information more accessible. We hope that folks walk away feeling empowered and with an understanding of how to get their voices heard," he said in a statement.
Event organizers encourage attendance from state and tribal elected officials, program directors, tribal-led advocacy groups, community organizers, educators, tribal college students and others from Indian Country.
Each day of the symposium has a different focus. Viewers can expect to learn how a bill becomes a law, how to track legislation online and why state-funded programs are beneficial for tribes.
Schedule for Advancing Investments in Indian Country virtual symposium:
To register for the free symposium, visit the Montana Budget Policy Center website www.montanabudget.org at or Facebook event page.
The Montana Budget and Policy Center also released a 2020 State Budget Handbook on Indian Country, which can be viewed on their website, as well.
MBPC is a nonprofit organization focused on providing credible and timely research and analysis on budget, tax, and economic issues that impact low- and moderate-income Montana families.