On March 14, 2025, the Lac Courte Oreilles (LCO) Planning/Grants Department met with tribal directors to update them on federal budget developments. LCO Assistant Attorney General (AG) San Juanita Lopez stated:

“The federal budget remains unapproved. The House passed a Continuing Resolution (CR), and the Senate has until the end of business day today to either pass or reject it. If passed, the CR will extend 2024 funding allocations through September 2025. Two scenarios are possible: if the Senate rejects the CR, the government will shit down until a budget is passed; if the CR passes, the president must sign, and the government will remain open. The AG’s office is closely monitoring this situation.”

LCO Chief Financial Officer Ernest Vargas, Jr. emphasized that both scenarios will result in budget cuts, and contingency planning is essential. Departments are to complete and submit contingency plans to Jordan St. Germaine, Director of Planning/Grants Department. St. Germain will compile and present these plans tyo the LCO Tribal Governing Board (TGB). Once further information is available, the TGB will review expenses and make decisions to ensure continuity of progrmas and services for tribal members.