Indian tribes concerned about water, gaming

"We're looking for a bill to be introduced into the Kansas Legislature that tribal identification cards be allowed as voter ID," Ortiz said. "Right now we've had meetings with the secretary of state, but I've not seen any Democrat or Republican come forth saying they'd introduce a bill."

Increasing voter turnout on the reservations is on the agenda for Victors, who said she believes she is the first female American Indian in the Legislature.

She said she would like to be a bridge between state and tribal governments, providing her unique perspectives on such things as living on a reservation without clean, abundant water.

"I would really like to see something worked out with that water issue," Victors said. "This is Kansas, and it's the new millennium, you know. There should be something where tribes, reservations and people don't have to wake up to that burden."