During Monday’s State of the Union address President Obama laid out his Blueprint for an America Built to Last (PDF) based on an economy that works for everyone, emphasizing American manufacturing, American energy and skills for American workers. Included within the President’s blueprint are the following initiatives that benefit Indian Country:

• Prevent tax increases for Native American families by extending the payroll tax cut
• Forge new partnerships between community colleges – including tribal colleges – and businesses to train and place two million skilled workers
• Help start-ups and small businesses in Indian Country succeed and create jobs by reforming regulations and expanding tax relief

You can read more about these initiatives and how they build upon the progress already made within Indian Country in Senior Policy Advisor for Native American Affairs Kimberly Teehee’s complete blog post, found here.