Sen. Tester meets with the Tribe

Senator Jon Tester visited the Tribal Complex last week

PABLO — Senator John Tester came to Pablo Saturday evening to hear a presentation on the Salish-Kootenai Tribes most pressing concerns like health care funding, land-acquisition funds and water rights issues.

Tester made the 7 p.m. meeting which included five council members, two Tribal policy analysts, three department heads, an attorney and various other staff members. The newest Montana Senator took a brief weekend break from Washington, D.C. duties to visit Kalispell, Polson and Pablo.

"I'm here because I want to hear your opinions," Tester told the group.

Tester did highlight the fact that funds, many in the form of grants, may be tight due to the billions of dollars used for the war in Iraq.

"This does not mean we'll work less hard," Tester said. "It will be tight."

Tester praised CSKT for presented an organized list of most pressing issues, which were ranked by priority.

"You have a very good tribe here," Tester said. "I'm always impressed when I come here."

During the meeting, Tester agreed to pass on developments he hears regarding various topics like proposed changes to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. He also asked the tribes to keep his office posted of developments.

Councilman Steve Lozar explained to Tester that during his first year on council he's seen top government officials tell the tribes one thing and then do the exact opposite the next day.

"I'm putting my faith ... my tribal faith in you," Lozar said.

Tester nodded as said, "We may not always agree. There's only one thing I've got. It's honesty. I'll be as honest and straight forward as possible ... I can only control the world I'm involved in."

You can contact Senator Tester at his official website at http://tester.senate.gov/.