A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA ENCOURAGING GOVERNOR RACICOT AND THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE TO INCLUDE REPRESENTATION FROM THE MONTANA TRIBAL COMMUNITY ON TRADE MISSIONS AND ON STATE BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS PROMOTING MONTANA'S GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT.

WHEREAS, economic development is a primary concern of Governor Marc Racicot and the 56th Montana Legislature; and

WHEREAS, economic development is vitally important to Montana's Indian people residing on reservations where 50 to 70% unemployment is the rule, not the exception; and

WHEREAS, Montana's Indian people make up 7% of the state's population but are often invisible in the economic development proposals brought forward by state officials; and

WHEREAS, tourism is Montana's second largest industry; and

WHEREAS, the seven reservations in Montana offer visitors an opportunity to experience the rich cultural diversity of our Indian nations; and

WHEREAS, the state of Montana and the tribes of Montana share a common desire to strengthen the state's economic system, to increase and expand industry, to strengthen small businesses, and to create an economic environment that strengthens our families by improving their quality of life; and

WHEREAS, we must strengthen the state-tribal partnership and collaboration in order to bring economic prosperity to our state.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:

That Governor Marc Racicot and the Montana Department of Commerce be encouraged to include representation from the Montana tribal community on state trade missions to foreign nations and on state boards and commissions involved in the promotion of economic development in the state.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Secretary of State send copies of this resolution to Governor Marc Racicot, Dr. Peter Blouke of the Department of Commerce, each tribal government located on the seven Montana reservations and to the Little Shell Band of Chippewa.

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I hereby certify that the within joint resolution,

HJ 0024, originated in the House.

Chief Clerk of the House

Speaker of the House

Signed this	day

of	, .

President of the Senate

Signed this	day

of	, .

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 24

INTRODUCED BY C. JUNEAU, G. ROUSH, B. EGGERS, S. KITZENBERG, R. LENHART,

M. MCCANN, F. SMITH, C. WILLIAMS

A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA ENCOURAGING GOVERNOR RACICOT AND THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE TO INCLUDE REPRESENTATION FROM THE MONTANA TRIBAL COMMUNITY ON TRADE MISSIONS AND ON STATE BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS PROMOTING MONTANA'S GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT.