Tribal college investment program considered

A bill aimed at increasing funding for Nebraska’s tribal colleges through a public-private partnership was discussed by the Education Committee Feb. 9.

LB1184, introduced by Omaha Sen. John Fredrickson, would establish the Nebraska Tribal College Investment Act and a fund to be administered by the Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education.

Under the measure, eligible tribal colleges, which are federally recognized land-grant institutions, could apply annually for state grants if they raise an equal amount in new private funding through donations, gifts or grants.

Fredrickson said the bill was crafted with the state’s current fiscal constraints in mind and does not appropriate any general funds at this time. Instead, the measure would create a framework for future investment when budget conditions allow, he said, through a public-private partnership model that encourages philanthropic support while preserving legislative oversight.

Leaders from Nebraska’s two tribal colleges — Little Priest Tribal College and Nebraska Indian Community College — testified in support of LB1184, describing longstanding funding gaps that limit infrastructure development, student services and program growth.

Manoj Patil, president of Little Priest Tribal College, called the measure a fiscally responsible way to strengthen educational opportunities and support long-term sustainability.

“Predictable, affordable funding is vital for tribal colleges to continue serving our students and communities,” Patil said.

Michael Oltrogge, president of Nebraska Indian Community College, said the state’s tribal colleges generate $19.2 million annually for Nebraska’s economy and support 337 jobs while operating with far fewer resources than other higher education institutions.

LB1184 would help address funding gaps and allow tribal colleges to expand their impact in rural and underserved communities without requiring immediate state spending, he said.

Also testifying in support was Laila Petite, Little Priest Tribal College student senate president. Tribal colleges offer smaller class sizes and hands-on learning while providing culturally relevant education for Native American students, she said, but they are limited by budget constraints.

“LB1184 would make a meaningful difference by keeping Little Priest affordable, supporting high-quality faculty, updating learning spaces and expanding academic support so students like me can graduate prepared for the workforce,” Petite said.

No one testified in opposition to the bill and the committee took no immediate action on it.