Article
Understanding how changes to the 477 program may affect your Tribe
May 2, 2018 · Authored by Ryan Luetkemeyer, Anita DeHaan
Public Law 115-93, Indian Employment, Training and Related Services Consolidation Act of 2017, amended and expanded Public Law 102-477, Indian Employment, Training, and Related Services Demonstration Act of 1992.
Enacted in December 2017, the purpose of this law — also known as the 477 program — is to reduce administrative burdens while giving Tribes more flexibility combining programs from federal agencies that provide them with employment, training, and related services.
Federal agencies subject to the law
Federal agencies subject to the law for inclusion:
- Department of the Interior
- Department of Health and Human Services
- Department of Labor
- Department of Education
In addition to the original four, these departments are included in the new law:
- Department of Justice
- Department of Agriculture
- Department of Commerce
- Department of Energy
- Department of Homeland Security
- Department of Housing and Urban Development
- Department of Transportation
- Department of Veteran Affairs
Eligible programs
Similar to the autonomy afforded by Public Law 93-638, Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA), Tribal leaders can strategize based on the wide-ranging needs of their citizens to create one comprehensive plan incorporating programs, such as:
- Providing job training
- Creating or enhancing employment opportunities
- Assisting with skill development
- Encouraging self-sufficiency
