Navajo Nation Council supports the establishment of the Navajo Veterans Housing Program By Jared Touchin During the second day of the 2018 Summer Council Session on July 17, the 23rd Navajo Nation Council voted in support of Legislation No. 0021-18, establishing the Navajo Veterans Housing Program within the Navajo Veterans Administration. Legislation sponsor Council Delegate Kee Allen Begay, Jr. (Low Mountain, Many Farms, Nazlini, Tachee/Blue Gap, Tselani/Cottonwood) said the housing program would be tasked with administering policies and procedures, which would be recommended by the Navajo Nation Veterans Advisory Council and require the approval of the Council s Health, Education, Naat ájí Nahat á Hane Legislative Branch News 23 rd Navajo Nation Council Summer Council Session - July 2018 and Human Services Committee. The primary purpose of the program will be to prioritize housing needs for Navajo veterans so that we can house more and more veterans as this program develops, said Delegate Begay. The program would help to streamline the process of building homes, en- See VETERANS HOUSING, Page 2 Navajo Nation Council approves emergency funding for Navajo Head Start By Jolene Holgate On July 17 during the 2018 Summer Council Session, members of the 23rd Navajo Nation Council deliberated over emergency Legislation No. 0259-18, sponsored by Council Delegate Jonathan Hale (Oak Springs, St. Michaels), who has been working closely with the Department of Diné Education regarding challenges with Head Start grant funding. The legislation seeks to allocate approximately $6.3 million from the Unreserved, Undesignated Fund Balance to the Department of Diné Education s Navajo Head Start program to continue daily operations and direct services to the 2,105 funded student slots under Head Start and Early Head Start Programs. Delegate Hale said that Navajo Head Start is actively recruiting for the upcoming school year, and the proposed allocation ensures that all enrolled eligible Navajo children would be provided continued educational services. He added that the funding is needed to cover personnel expenses, salaries, fringe benefits, employee-related expenses for mandatory insurance coverage, and worker s compensation. I have been working with the program and the administration to see how we could keep Head Start in operation. We understand that 80-percent of the funding is going towards salaries and personnel expenses, but they are the people working at the program every day and working with our children, said Delegate Hale. Delegate Hale explained that the personnel funding would go towards the continuation of employment for Head Start teachers, teacher aides, bus drivers, cooks, and other critical staff that ensure the schools remain open for students. According to the Department of Diné Education, which is under the Executive Branch, Navajo Head Start submitted a grant application to the Office See HEAD START, Page 3 If you would like to receive press releases, news, and other information via email, please email: nnlb.communications@gmail.com Office of the Speaker Post Office Box 3390 Window Rock, Arizona 86515 Phone (928) 871-7160 Fax (928) 871-7255 www.navajonationcouncil.org Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/navajonationcouncil Follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @23rdNNC 1
VETERANS HOUSING / cont. from Page 1 sure quality homes are built, and to work with states and directly with the U.S. Veterans Administration to seek additional housing benefits for Navajo veterans. The Navajo Nation Veterans Advisory Council, the Northern Agency Veterans Organization, and the Fort Defiance Agency Veterans Organization submitted supporting resolutions that were attached to the legislation as well. Council Delegate (Baca/Prewitt, Casamero Lake, Counselor, Littlewater, Ojo Encino, Pueblo Pintado, Torreon, Whitehorse Lake) questioned how the program would be funded, especially when the Nation is anticipating a decline in revenues in the coming years. In response, Delegate Begay said the legislation was the first step in the process and that there would be separate legislation to consider a plan of operation for the housing program and to consider funding options. In 2013, the Council approved resolution CS- 48-13 sponsored by Council Delegate (Jeddito, Cornfields, Ganado, Kin Dah Lichíí, Steamboat), which amended the Navajo Nation Veterans Trust Fund policy to provide funding for the construction of new homes for veterans in each of Nation s five agencies. The veteran s administration, under the Office of the President and Vice President, had issues that were outlined in an audit report produced by the Office of the Auditor General in 2017. The report contained eight audit findings including the lack of financial and expenditure documentation, lack of quality homes built, veteran eligibility issues, and veterans dissatisfaction upon receiving their completed homes. These issues prompted Council Delegate (Coyote Canyon, Mexican Springs, Naschitti, Tohatchi, Bahastl a a ) and Tohatchi Veterans Organization Commander and Fort Defiance Veterans Agency Organization Commander Olin Kieyoomia, to tract to provide 10 new homes for Navajo veterans. Delegate Begay said he intends for the program to build off the success of the partnership of the Nation and the Southwest Indian Foundation. At the conclusion of the discussion, the Navajo Nation Council voted 19-1 to approve Legislation No. 0021-18. The President will have 10 calendar days to consider the bill once the resolution is delivered to the Office of the President and Vice President. meet with officials from the Southwest Indian Foundation to discuss the possibility of providing pre-constructed homes for veterans on the Navajo Nation. In December 2017, the Fort Defiance Veterans Agency Organizationrequested the assistance of Speaker LoRenzo Bates (Nenahnezad, Newcomb, San Juan, Tiis Tsoh Sikaad, Tse Daa Kaan, Upper Fruitland) to facilitate meetings between the foundation and Navajo Nation officials. Speaker Bates coordinated a meeting, which eventually led to the formation of the partnership and PHOTO: (left to right) Council Delegate and Fort Defiance Agency Veterans Organization Vice Commander Ryan Sandoval present Legislation No. 0021-18 during the second day of the 2018 Summer Council Session at the Council Chamber in Window Rock, Ariz. on July 17, 2018. the recent signing of a con- Navajo Nation Council passes the Civil Rights of Individuals with Disabilities Act of 2018 By Jolene Holgate During the 2018 Summer Council Session, the Navajo Nation Council considered Legislation No. 0469-17, which seeks to enact the Civil Rights of Individuals with Disabilities Act of 2018, and amends the Navajo Preference in Employment Act to reflect protections for individuals with disabilities residing and working on the Navajo Nation. According to the legislation, in April 1979 the Navajo Nation Council approved the Navajo Affirmative Action Plan, which ensured that Navajo individuals with disabilities have equal access to employment opportunities and public buildings on the Navajo Nation, and established the Navajo Nation Council on Handicapped. It goes on to state that the plan of operation for the Navajo Nation Council on Handicapped be amended, and would now be recognized as the Navajo Nation Advisory Council on Disabilities, and would serve in an advisory and advocacy capacity to tribal leadership regarding laws and policies concerning individuals with disabilities. Council Delegate Jonathan Hale (Oak Springs, St. Michaels), sponsor for the legislation, said several amendments to other laws and policies to include protections for individuals did not provide sufficient remedies or just recourse for cases of discrimination and the ongoing lack of adequate accommodations for persons with disabilities. Clearly, the likely reasons for the failure of enforcing existing laws is they have no teeth, lack of funding to make proper accommodations for people with disabilities, and the provisions did not provide enough authority to the advisory council to ensure public and private programs and businesses on the Navajo Nation have implemented the policies, said Delegate Hale. Delegate Hale added that the proposed Civil Rights of Individuals With Disabilities Act would provide equal access to employment, educational services, all public and private buildings on the Nation, and would also incorporate those rights into the Navajo Nation Preference in Employment Act. Council Delegate (Baca/Prewitt, Casamero Lake, Counselor, Littlewater, Ojo Encino, Pueblo Pintado, Torreon, Whitehorse Lake) raised concerns regarding the proposed act stating that it could result in a significant fiscal impact to the Nation if it enforced the implementation of accommodations for persons with disabilities by all programs and business- See DISABILITIES ACT, Page 4 2
Navajo Nation Council approves the Navajo Nation Officer Standards and Training Certification Act By Crystalyne Curley On the final day of the 2018 Summer Council Session on July 19, the Navajo Nation Council approved Legislation No. 0198-18, amending Title 2 and Title 17 of the Navajo Nation Code to enact the Navajo Nation Peace Officer Standards and Training Certification Act. If signed into law, the act would establish the Navajo Nation Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission including provisions of the commission s purpose, membership, and powers. The act also creates the requirements to become a Navajo Nation Peace Officer. Council Delegate (Houck, Klagetoh, Nahata Dziil, Tsé Si áni, Wide Ruins), who sponsored the legislation and serves as the vice chair of the Law and Order Committee, asked for the Council s support for the Navajo Nation to set its own standards and training requirements for law enforcement officers serving within the Nation. The Navajo Nation is in critical need of law enforcement officers including police officers, fish, wildlife, and forestry officers, environmental protections officers, executive security officers, and criminal investigators. Most of our officers receive training HEAD START / cont. from Page 1 through standards of the state of Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah, and the federal government. The Navajo Nation is in need of its own standards and training requirements, said Delegate Smith. He added that if approved, the Navajo Nation would be the first tribe in the United States to establish its own peace officer standards and certification. PHOTO (above): The Law and Order Committee members, Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety, and Navajo Nation Division of Natural Resources during the 2018 Summer Council Session at the According to the Council Chamber in Window Rock, Ariz. on July 19, 2018. legislation, the Navajo Nation Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission would consist of the enforcement supervisor. The commission s purpose would be to chief prosecutor, chief of police, a commissioned law assist the Navajo Nation law enforcement agencies enforcement officer employed with the Navajo Nation in providing qualified, trained, and certified peace Division of Natural Resources, Navajo Nation Ramah officers by administering requalification, training, basic Police Department chief of police, and the Navajo training certification requirements, and certification of Nation Environmental Protection Agency s criminal Navajo Nation Peace Officers. See OFFICER STANDARDS, Page 6 of Head Start for the period of March 1, 2018 to Feb. 28, 2019, which would be the fourth year of the fiveyear grant. However, in fall 2017 the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services sought to reduce the Navajo Head Start budget from $23 million to $15.7 million due to under-enrollment, without providing the Nation due process or the option to appeal. In March, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia ruled that the federal government must fund Navajo Head Start at the original $23 million and to provide the Navajo Nation its right to notice, appeal, and a hearing before the federal government may attempt to reduce any grant funding. After the ruling by the federal court was made, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued a letter to the Navajo Nation stating that the funding would be reinstated, but then rescinded the funding in June stating that the department Council Delegate (Tó Nanees Dizí) urged his colleagues to vote in favor of the legislation stating that most current Navajo leadership and their families went to Head Start, and the school served a vital step to preparing them for the k-12 school system. We need to support our children. They will be better prepared for school when they start and they learn to communicate with one another. We need to fund head start because right now it is a direct investment in our children, said Delegate Tso. It is like sending your child to college and getting the kids through school, this is the start of our young ones school life. Council Delegate (Cameron, Coalmine Canyon, Leupp, Tolani Lake, Tsidi Tó ii) recommended an amendment to the legislation that would stipulate that the funding allocation may be used as matching funds to the federal grant and could extend beyond FY2018, meaning the supplemental funding would not lapse until Navajo Head Start has utilized the entire appropriation. Council members voted 19-0 to approve the amendment. At the conclusion of the discussion, the Navajo Nation Council voted 17-2 to approve Legislation No. 0259-18 with two amendments. The President will have 10 calendar days to consider the resolution had finally created an appeal process and once it is delivered to the Office of the President and PHOTO (above): Council Delegate Tuchoney Sim, Jr. and Navajo Head directed the Nation to submit their appeal within 30- personnel during the 2018 Summer Council Session in Window Rock, Vice President. days. Ariz. on July 19, 2018. 3
Funds for Navajo veteran services approved by Council By Jared Touchin The 23rd Navajo Nation Council on July 18, approved funding for services for Navajo veterans. The Council voted 18-0 to approve Legislation No. 0149-18, which seeks $1.2 million for the Navajo Veterans Administration to assist veterans with emergency assistance requests, energy assistance, burial assistance, and weatherization assistance. Legislation sponsor Council Delegate Otto Tso (Tó Nanees Dizi) said the funding request is greatly needed to help Navajo veterans. He also noted that in May, the Council approved a supplemental funding request for $1,094,784 for the Nation s five veteran agency organizations, however, the Navajo Nation s Controller has declined to release the funding due to concerns with the resolution that was passed and signed by the President. Navajo Veterans Administration acting director Ryan Sandoval, who also serves as the Fort Defiance Agency Veterans Organization Vice Commander, joined Delegate Tso in requesting the Council s support for the funding request to help veterans and their spouses. He stated that there is a tremendous need to help veterans across the Navajo Nation. If the President approves the resolution, the $1.2 million will be allocated to the central Navajo Veterans Administration office to be distributed for the benefit of Navajo veterans. Council members vote in support of funding to compensate Chapter officials for services By Jared Touchin PHOTO (above): Council Delegate Raymond Smith and Ft. Defiance Agency Veterans Commander Olin Kieyoomia after the approval of Legislation No. 0149-18 during the 2018 Summer Council Session on July 18, 2018. The Council voted in support of Legislation No. 0194-18 on July 18, to provide $1,021,431 to the Division of Community Development for stipends to compensate chapter officials for their services. The majority of Council s discussion centered on a directive proposed by Council Delegate Edmund Yazzie (Churchrock, Iyanbito, Mariano Lake, Pinedale, Smith Lake, Thoreau) to require all chapters to develop and submit emergency management plans to the Division of Community Development within 30-days, in accordance with a resolution RDCMY-47-17 passed by the Resources and Development Committee in May 2017 that directed all chapters to do so. Delegate Yazzie said many chapters have not complied with the request. He added that although the directive was not passed, there remains a great need for chapters to be prepared in the event of emergencies such as flooding, wildfires, and other emergency situations. The Council also approved an amendment that allows chapters to reimburse other accounts that were legally used to fund the stipends. It also requires the Division of Community Development to verify whether the use of such accounts was allowed previously. At the conclusion of debate, the Council approved $1,021,431 for the 110 chapters with one amendment. The President will have 10 calendar days to consider the bills once the resolutions are delivered to the Office of the President and Vice President. DISABILITIES ACT/ cont. from Page 2 es. proposed civil rights act is to ensure that all current laws This is a very broad law with a big fiscal impact. It would be interesting to put this side by side tions for persons with disabilities and includes a reme- and policies are properly enforced to provide protec- with other disability acts. The Navajo Nation being in dy to file discrimination cases. a state where it has dilapidated buildings and insufficient concrete to accommodate ramps, we should be cil on Disabilities, Hoskie Benally, conveyed to Council President for the Navajo Nation Advisory Coun- careful on this. We should table this legislation until we members that although there are current policies in get some kind of report on how much it would take place, persons with disabilities are not provided the to accommodate all the needs of these individuals and same rights under the current laws compared to other what the cost would be for the Nation, said Delegate classes of discrimination such as gender, age, LGBTQ, Tsosie. etc. Delegate Tsosie recommended a tabling motion on the legislation, however Council members vot- those without disabilities have a right with the Navajo As an advocate for persons with disabilities, ed the motion down. Delegate Hale stressed that the Nation government and private entities to sue and receive a remedy for a civil rights violation. What we are asking for is to have the same rights under the current laws. There is nothing in the law right now that gives us legal remedy. We are asking for fair and equal treatment, said Benally. The Navajo Nation Council voted 14-2 to approve Legislation No. 0469-17 with one amendment. The President will have 10 calendar days to consider the resolution once it is delivered to the Office of the President and Vice President. 4
Picture Highlights of the 2018 Summer Council Session PHOTO (above): Kim Silentwalker, Candace Pioche-Zunie, Katrina Yazzie, Inann Johns, Octovia Silentman, and Cassandra Morgan posted the colors during the opening day of the 2018 Summer Council Session. PHOTO (above): 2017-2018 Miss Gallup Inter-Tribal Ceremonial Queen Zunneh-bah Martin (left) delivered the Pledge of Allegiance and Halle Pete (right) delivered the Pledge of Allegiance during the opening day of the 2018 Summer Council Session. PHOTO (above): Council Delegate and Council Delegate recognized the family of Anthony Seigler, who became the New York Yankees No. 1 draft pick in the 2018 MLB Draft on June 4, 2018, on the opening day of the 2018 Summer Council Session in front of the Council Chamber in Window Rock, Ariz. on July 16, 2018. PHOTO (above): Council Delegate presented an appreciation award to Sally N. Pete, CEO of Winslow Indian Health Care Center, for her dedication to demonstrate an exemplary audit report, substantiating that Winslow Indian Health Care Center is delivering outstanding health care services within the southwestern region of the Navajo Nation on the opening day of the 2018 Summer Council Session on July 16, 2018. PHOTO (above): Council Delegate recognized and honored Leo Largie and the Navajo Council on Aging on the opening day of the 2018 Summer Council Session in front of the Council Chamber in Window Rock, Ariz. on July 16, 2018. PHOTO (above): Council Delegate recognized and honored Taylor Fowler for his outstanding achievement and on his selection as a 2018 Delegate of the Congress of Future and Technology Leaders on the opening day of the 2018 Summer Council Session on July 16, 2018. 5
Speaker LoRenzo Bates provides report on opening day By Jared Touchin During the opening day of the 2018 Summer Council Session, the 23rd Navajo Nation Council accepted a written report from Speaker LoRenzo Bates (Nenahnezad, Newcomb, San Juan, Tiis Tsoh Sikaad, Tse Daa Kaan, Upper Fruitland). In his report, Speaker Bates reaffirmed the Navajo Nation s opposition to the proposed reorganization of the U.S. Department of the Interior and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The proposed plan put forth by the Department of the Interior would split the Navajo Nation between two separate regions within the BIA. Working with two BIA regions, as opposed to the one BIA region currently in place, will only complicate matters and create barriers to delivering direct services to Navajo people, stated Speaker Bates. Members of the Council shared their concerns with Department of the Interior officials during a formal consultation session held on June 25. The report also highlighted the Nation s recent selection of a potential new owner and new operator that would allow for the continuation of the Navajo Generating Station beyond 2019. Speaker stated that negotiations with Avenue Capital as the new potential owner and Middle River Power as the new potential operator recently began. As we move into the negotiating stage, time will be of the essence as we work to prepare a completed negotiated plan for the 23rd Navajo Nation Council to consider. Included in these considerations will be Navajo jobs and families who depend on this source of revenue for their income. Our Navajo workforce is a vital part of what allows us as a sovereign nation to continue to act in the best interest of our people, Speaker Bates said. Speaker Bates also thanked his Council colleagues for continuing to advocate at the congressional level for the extension of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act and to expand certain provisions that would include providing benefits to victims of the nuclear fallout such as downwinders and former uranium mine workers. The provisions ensuring compensation and benefits to affected individuals are set to expire in 2019. The Navajo Nation Council requests the support of congress for Senate Bill 197, entitled the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act Amendments of 2017, added Speaker Bates. Other items covered in Speaker s report include the Treaty of 1868 events hosted by the Office of the Speaker, Veterans housing, $100 million Síhasin Fund power line and chapter projects expenditure plan, summer youth employment funding, progress of the Sexual Assault Prevention Subcommittee, fiscal year 2019 budget, Real ID issues in New Mexico, the Governor s Heritage Preservation Honor Award for the Council Chamber renovation, the possible closure of the Office of Navajo and Hopi Indian Relocation, and the federal Land Buy Back Program. To view the full report from Speaker Bates, please visit the Navajo Nation Council s website at www.navajonationcouncil. org. PHOTO (above): Speaker LoRenzo Bates welcomes the horse trail riders to the Council Chamber on the opening day of the 2018 Summer Council Session on July 16, 2018. PHOTO (above): Speaker LoRenzo Bates and Vice President Jonathan Nez welcome the horse trail riders to the Navajo Nation Fair Grounds in Window Rock, Ariz. on July 15, 2018. OFFICER STANDARDS/ cont. from Page 3 Council Delegate (Low Mountain, Many Farms, Nazlini, Tachee/Blue Gap, Tselani/Cottonwood), who co-sponsored the legislation, stated that establishing a unique peace officer standards and certification would allow law enforcement to address complex public safety issues on the Nation. In the past 10 years, the Navajo Nation has been sending law enforcement recruits to the states of Arizona, New Mexico, and the federal law enforcement agencies to receive certification. Our officers need to be equipped with our Navajo Nation laws, along with state and federal laws. This act would allow use to create our own standards that would best fit the Navajo Nation, said Delegate Begay. We need to train, certify, and employ our Navajo law enforcement officers here on the Navajo Nation. At the end of the discussion, Delegate Smith stated that the act would also assist and further develop the police academy at Chinle Police District. On June 22, the Navajo Nation Police Department gained 12 new police officers at the Chinle police academy. The act would allow the police academy to grow and certify more officers, said Delegate Smith. Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety director Jesse Delmar, thanked the Law and Order Committee for working collaboratively with the Division of Public Safety and Division of Natural Resources to create a historic program for Navajo law enforcement officers. The Navajo Nation Council approved Legislation No. 0198-18 with a 15-1 vote. The President will have 10 calendar days to consider the bill once the resolution is delivered to the Office of the President and Vice President. 6
Picture Highlights of the 2018 Summer Council Session Horse Ride PHOTO (above): Council Delegate at No Water Mesa windmill in lower Cameron, Ariz. on July 13, 2018. PHOTO (above): Council Delegate and Tolani Lake summer youth interns at Eleanor Peshlakai residence in Black Falls, Ariz. on July 13, 2018. PHOTO (above): Council Delegate and family at Tohatchi Chapter on July 15, 2018. PHOTO (above): Council Delegate at the Navajo Nation Fair Grounds in Window Rock, Ariz. on July 15, 2018. PHOTO (above): Horse Trail Riders arrive to the Council Chamber on the opening day of the 2018 Summer Council Session on July 16, 2018. PHOTO (above): Council Delegate recognizes and honors the family of the late Allen Jones, a community leader, advocate, and Leupp Chapter Grazing Official, during the opening day of the 2018 Summer Council Session on July 16, 2018 7
2018 Summer Council Session Legislation Results *Chaired the discussion - Only votes in the event of a tie LEGISLATION 0036-18 LEGISLATION 0037-18 LEGISLATION 0021-18 LEGISLATION 0077-18 LEGISLATION 0393-17 Funding from the Unreserved, Undesignated Fund Balance in the amount of $400,000.00 (Four Hundred Thousand Dollars) for the Round Rock Trading Post Business Site Redevelopment Project; Waiving 12 N.N.C. 820(1) and 860(C) relating to the Capital Improvement Process Undesignated Fund Balance in the amount of $400,000.00 (four hundred thousand dollars) for the Bond and Bond Business Site Redevelopment Project; Waiving 12 N.N.C. 820(1) and 860(C) relating to the Capital Improvement Process Establishing the Navajo Veterans Housing Program within the Navajo Veterans Administration; Amending 2 N.N.C. 1033 Undesignated Fund Balance in the Amount of $1,455,000 (One Million Four Hundred and Fifty-Five Thousand Dollars) for the Redevelopment of Former Chee s Business Site Undesignated Fund Balance in the Amount of $5,000,000.00 (Five Million Dollars) for the Wide Ruins Water Line Extension Project; Waiving 12 N.N.C. 820 (I) and 860 (C) Relating to the Capital Improvement Process ACTION: FAILED YEA (12): NAY (5): NOT VOTING (7): ACTION: FAILED YEA (15): NAY (4): NOT VOTING (5): YEA (19): NAY (1): NOT VOTING (4): YEA (16): NAY (3): NOT VOTING (5): ACTION: FAILED YEA (11): NAY (8): NOT VOTING (5): 8
2018 Summer Council Session Legislation Results *Chaired the discussion - Only votes in the event of a tie LEGISLATION 0259-18 LEGISLATION 0501-17 LEGISLATION 0049-18 LEGISLATION 0149-18 LEGISLATION 0194-18 Undesignated Fund Balance in the Amount of Six Million, Three Hundred Thirty-Three Thousand, Three Hundred Thirty-Three Dollars ($6,333,333) to the Navajo Head Start Program Undesignated Fund Balance in the Amount of $700,000.00 (Seven Hundred Thousand Dollars) for Purchase of Division of Natural Resources Department of Water Resources Field Offices; Waiving 12 N.N.C. 820(1) and 860(C) Relating to the Capital Improvement Process Undesignated Fund Balance in the Amount of Two Hundred and Fifty-Five Thousand Dollars ($255,000.00) for the Design and Construction of One Animal Shelter in Crownpoint, New Mexico; Waiving 12 N.N.C. 820(1) and 860 (C) Relating to the Capital Improvement Process Approving Supplement Undesignated Fund Balance in the Amount of One Million, Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($1,200,000) to the Navajo Nation Veterans Administration Central Office, Business Unit 103015; Waiving 12 N.N.C. 820 (E) and (F) Undesignated Fund Balance in the Amount of One Million, Twenty-One Thousand, Four Hundred Thirty-One Dollars ($1,021,431) to the Navajo Division of Community Development, Business Units 108014-108123, Waiving 2 N.N.C. 820(F) YEA (17): NAY (2): NOT VOTING (5): YEA (16): NAY (2): NOT VOTING (6): YEA (20): Speaker LoRenzo Bates NAY (0): NOT VOTING (4): * YEA (18): Speaker LoRenzo Bates NAY (0): NOT VOTING (6): * YEA (19): NAY (0): NOT VOTING (5): * Speaker LoRenzo Bates 9
2018 Summer Council Session Legislation Results *Chaired the discussion - Only votes in the event of a tie LEGISLATION 0247-18 LEGISLATION 0469-17 LEGISLATION 0500-17 LEGISLATION 0011-18 LEGISLATION 0218-18 Confirming Navajo Nation Land Purchases and Directive to the Navajo Division of Natural Resources ACTION: TABLED for 30 days YEA (10): NAY (8): NOT VOTING (6): * Speaker LoRenzo Bates Enacting the Civil Rights of Individuals with Disabilities Act of 2017; Deleting Title 10, Chapter 13, 1402; Creating the Civil Rights of Individuals with Disabilities in Title 13, Chapter 55, 4501-451O; Amending the Navajo Preference in Employment Act; Amending Title 13, Chapter 57, 4801-4809, The Plan of Operations for the Navajo Nation Advisory Council on Disabilities; and Amending the Navajo Nation Bill of Rights to Designate the Equal Rights of Individuals with Disabilities as a Basic Civil Right YEA (14): NAY (2): NOT VOTING (8): * Speaker LoRenzo Bates Amending Rule 6 of the Navajo Nation Council Rules of Order such that announcements are moved to Item 1. on the Agenda ACTION: FAILED YEA (8): NAY (9): NOT VOTING (7): Enacting the Controlled Substance Definition Act of 2018 ; Amending Title 17 Chapter 3, Controlled Substances at 17 N.N.C. 390, 394 ACTION: FAILED YEA (7): NAY (10): NOT VOTING (7): Accepting the Audit Report of KPMP, LLP on the Primary Government Financial Statement of the Navajo Nation for Fiscal Year 2017 YEA (14): Speaker LoRenzo Bates NAY (0): NOT VOTING (10): * 10
2018 Summer Council Session Legislation Results *Chaired the discussion - Only votes in the event of a tie LEGISLATION 0095-18 LEGISLATION 0197-18 LEGISLATION 0198-18 LEGISLATION 0216-18 Amending Title 13 of the Navajo Nation Code Relating to Dog and Cat Control and Title 3 of the Navajo Nation Code Relating to Agriculture and Livestock Restoring Navajo Nation Code Talkers Day As a Paid Navajo Nation Holiday by Rescinding CAP-30-17 Amending 2 N.N.C. 1060-1067 and 17 N.N.C. 101-104 by Enacting the Navajo Nation Peace Officer Standards and Training Certification Act Confirming the Appointment of Rachel R. Felix to the Commission on Navajo Government Development for a Term of Two Years, as the Judicial Branch Representative YEA (18): NAY (0): NOT VOTING (6): YEA (8): NAY (6): NOT VOTING (10): * Speaker LoRenzo Bates YEA (15): Speaker LoRenzo Bates NAY (1): NOT VOTING (8): * YEA (16): Speaker LoRenzo Bates NAY (0): NOT VOTING (8): * 11
23 rd Navajo Nation Council Standing Committees, Subcommittees, Task Forces, and Commissions Council Standing Committees Budget and Finance Committee Health, Education, and Human Services Committee Law and Order Committee Resources and Development Committee (Chair) (Vice Chair) Tom T. Chee (Chair) (Vice Chair) (Chair) (Vice Chair) (Chair) (Vice Chair) Subcommittees and Task Forces Sacred Sites Task Force Arizona Gaming Subcommittee Title II Reform Subcommittee Síhasin Fund Subcommittee LoRenzo Bates State Task Force Sexual Assault Prevention Subcommittee Tom T. Chee Navajo Indian Irrigation Project LoRenzo Bates Tom T. Chee Eastern Navajo Land Commission Commissions Navajo-Hopi Land Commission Utah Navajo Commission For more information on meeting dates, times, and locations, as well as legislations and news, please visit: www.navajonationcouncil.org 12