Rep. Gabe Vasquez Invites Tribal Educator from Laguna Pueblo as State of the Union Guest

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.-02) announced Treva Riley, an educator for Laguna Pueblo, as his guest for the State of the Union address. Riley has taught at Laguna Elementary School for ten years and would directly benefit from Vasquez’s Parity for Tribal Educators Act that provides teachers and staff at Tribally-controlled schools the same federal retirement benefits as teachers at Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) schools.

“Teachers like Treva from Laguna Pueblo are the heart of Tribal communities, fostering resilience, empowerment and wellness. When we gather for the State of the Union, it is crucial to remember our duty to ensure fairness in education everywhere,” said Vasquez. “The Parity for Tribal Educators Act is a step in the right direction, making sure Tribal teachers get the benefits they deserve. It is about giving every child in New Mexico a fair shot at success by keeping their schools staffed with quality educators.”

Vasquez has met with Tribal leaders throughout New Mexico who have shared their immense challenges in recruiting and retaining qualified teachers for their schools. The Parity for Tribal Educators Actaddresses the teacher shortage in Indian Country by providing teachers and staff at Tribally-controlled schools the same federal retirement benefits as teachers at Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) schools.

New Mexico has ten Tribally-controlled schools, and those educators deserve the same retirement benefits educators at other BIE and public schools. In 2020, Congress expanded federal health benefits to these teachers and by ensuring retirement benefits, Congress can continue to fulfill the government’s trust responsibility to Tribal nations. 

The legislation is endorsed by the National Indian Education Association, the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), and the Ramah Navajo School Board. 

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