It is now 10:47 am, 12.29.21, and Navajo Council Delegate Nathaniel Brown said he met and visited with nurses from the Indian Health Services Kayenta Hospital at a COVID-19 vaccination & booster shot event.
Brown said a nurse told him that she was Mentally, physically, spiritually drained. She was also very sad to see Navajo people suffering. And she said Front line workers are really exhausted, and she didn’t know how to explain, so tired, so depressed. I didn’t know someone beyond there. I am not alone. My colleagues are feeling the same.
I’d like to recognize Front line workers such as police and chapters.
Council Delegate Mark Freeland says that For past nine Sundays, gathered wood and want to thank volunteers, chapter officials & workers. I also want to also thank everyone since March 2020 in dealing with pandemic. First time conducted such a large wood gathering effort. The wood went to elders, veterans, and single parent households. God Bless our Navajo Nation.
It is now 11:02 am, 12.29.21 and the Navajo Council has Finally ended their Self Glorification for What we, the People, PAY them to do.
SMH!! Good Grief!! WTH!! There’s a Winter Weather Alert!! There has been one for the past Several Days!! Did I miss that? Did one of the Council Delegates who spoke say that Emergency Winter Assistance is on the Way!! Prez Nez & VP Lizer are attending special session. They were SILENT.
It is now 11:17 am, 12.29.21, and Budget & Finance Committee vice chairman Raymond smith questioning why Council Delegate Amber Crotty’s Emergency Legislation for $207 MILLION for Hardship Assistance. Smith says it’s not an emergency if compare to Delegate Eugene Tso’s bill to reallocate unspent CARES funds for Hardship Assistance II to Navajos who are over the age of 60.
Smith adds that he does not oppose Crotty’s emergency legislation for $207M for Hardship Assistance. The council can address Crotty’s request for $207 million for Hardship Assistance during the Counci’s Winter Session, Smith says.
The Council Winter Session is in mid-January 2022.
It is now 11:22 am, 12.29.21, and Budget & Finance Committee vice chairman Raymond smith continues to question Delegate Crotty’s emergency legislation for $207M in ARPA funds for Hardship Assistance. Smith also says that one of the definitions of emergency assistance is “financial devastation” and that means “not being prepared.”
It is now 11:27 am, 12.29.21, and Council Delegate Otto Tso says the People need assistance and he supports the addition of Delegate Crotty’s Emergency Legislation for $207M for Hardship Assistance.
Crotty says she appreciates Budget & Finance Committee chairman Jamie Henio concern about the amount of time Delegates spent on Recognizing Guests & Visiting Officials, but he also participated. Henio had said the Council should not add legislation to their agenda because Council needed to use their time to address Delegate Eugene Tso’s emergency legislation to reallocate unspent CARES Hardship Assistance II to Hardship Assistance for Individuals age 60 years and over.
It is now 11:34 am, 12.29.21, and Resources & Development committee chairman Rickie nez says the definition of emergency arises from public needs and the public is “pressuring” Council to help them. Let’s just vote on this and move on.
It is now 11:37 am, 12.29.21, and Budget & finance committee vice chairman Raymond smith continues to oppose the addition of Emergency Legislation for $207M for Hardship Assistance.
It is now 11:39 am, 12.29.21, and Law & Order Committee vice chairman Otto Tso says the people need help with propane and wood.
Delegate Rickie Nez asks for the council to vote on adding Delegate Crotty’s emergency legislation for $207M in ARPA funds for Hardship Assistance.
It is now 11:43 am, 12.29.21 20, and the Council votes 20 in favor, 1 opposed to Add to its Agenda Council Delegate Amber Kanazbah Crotty’s Emergency Legislation for Council to appropriate $207M from ARPA funds to Hardship Assistance.
UNOFFICIAL voting tally of Council vote of 20 in favor, 1 opposed:
Elmer Begay Green; Kee Allen Begay Green; Paul Begay Jr. Green; Nathaniel Brown Green; Amber Kanazbah Crotty Green; Seth Damon EXCUSED; Herman Daniel Jr. Green; Mark Freeland EXCUSED; Pernell Halona Green; Jamie Henio Red; Vince James Green; Rickie Nez Green; Carl Slater Green; Raymond Smith Jr. Green; Wilson Stewart Jr. Green; Otto Tso Green; Charlaine Tso Green; Daniel Tso Green; Eugene Tso Green; Thomas Walker Jr. Green; Edison Wauneka Green; Edmund Yazzie Green; Jimmy Yellowhair Green.
It is now 11:54, 12.29.21, and the Council is voting on Addition of Emergency Legislation 0268-21: An Action Relating to an Emergency; Authorizing Chapters to Continue to Conduct Official Business Through a Quorum of Three (3) Registered Chapter Members; Limiting Chapter Business to COVID-19 Matters, the Navajo Nation Emergency Declaration, Budget Authorizations, and Additional Topics Approved on a Case-By-Case Basis by the Division Director of the Division of Community Development in Consultation with the Navajo Department of Justice; Directing the Chapters to Provide the Public with a Telephonic and/or Video-Conferencing Call-in Numbers Allowing the Navajo People to Participate in their Chapter Meetings; and Re-enacting Resolution CAP-19-20 Sections Three, Four, Five, Seven, and Nine Authorizations That Assist the Chapter to Provide Services to their Communities in a Safe Manner to Reduce chapter quorums.
The Council Vote is 19 in favor, 2 opposed.
Elmer Begay Red; Kee Allen Begay Green; Paul Begay Jr. Green; Nathaniel Brown Green; Amber Kanazbah Crotty Green; Seth Damon EXCUSED; Herman Daniel Jr. Green; Mark Freeland EXCUSED; Pernell Halona Green; Jamie Henio Red; Vince James Green; Rickie Nez Green; Carl Slater Green; Raymond Smith Jr. Green; Wilson Stewart Jr. Green; Otto Tso Green; Charlaine Tso Green; Daniel Tso Green; Eugene Tso Green; Thomas Walker Jr. Green; Edison Wauneka Green; Edmund Yazzie Green; Jimmy Yellowhair Green.
It is now 12:24 pm, 12.29.21 and the Council is listening to the Reading of Emergency Legislation 0264-21 which seeks Council approval to reappropriate about $16 million in unexpended hardship assistance II funds to Navajos who are age 60 years and older.
According to Legislation 0264-21, “Despite the diligent efforts of the Office of the Controller over the past several months, approximately 7,500 applicants for Phase II Hardship Assistance funds who were approved for payments and were mailed checks by the OOC have not yet cashed or deposited them.
“These checks are now void and will not be honored by any bank or financial institution. As a result, the OOC estimates that as of December 7, 2021, the total amount of outstanding Phase II Hardship Assistance checks amounts to approximately $8,200,000,” the legislation also reads.
The Tso bill also states, “Moreover, the OOC has only received approximately 30,000 applicants for Phase II Hardship Assistance instead of the 80,000 applications that OOC anticipated back in June 2021. Because of the thousands of uncashed checks and far fewer applications submitted, there now remains an available balance in the Navajo Nation CARES Phase II Hardship Assistance Expenditure Plan of approximately $16 million. These funds are unexpended and are available to the Navajo Nation for other CARES-eligible uses.”
It is noted in the Tso bill that Dec. 31 is the U.S. Treasury Department deadline to spend unobligated Navajo Nation CARES funds, including hardship assistance funds.
It is now 12:31 pm, 12.29.21, and Budget & Finance committee chairman Jamie henio is asking several questions of Acting Navajo Nation Controller Elizabeth Begaye, such as:
How much as of today is in CARES Fund?
How much will each Navajo citizen receive?
How soon can Navajo citizens receive checks?
Budget & Finance committee chairman Raymond smith Jr says there’s an estimated $16M in unspent CARES funds that would go to Navajos who are 60 years and older. Smith wants federal definitions provided regarding Unspent CARES funds.
It is now 12:36 pm, 12.29.21, and Acting Navajo Nation Controller Elizabeth Begaye says that the Office of the Controller worked very hard to spend CARES allocated to Hardship. Begaye says there’s about $14 million in unspent CARES Hardship Assistance funds. She says the exact amount of unspent funds is $13.892,000.
Begaye emphasizes that the Office of the Controller is Working on voiding outstanding Hardship Assistance checks and posting new balance of Unspent CARES Hardship Funds.
She adds that our goal is to fully expend fund so no money goes back to feds but concerned about Eugene Tso legislation cuz may not be able to obligate the $14M by Dec. 31. She notes that she issued her memo Dec. 10 about 7,500 checks not picked up and now Dec. 29.
Begaye said there are 48,221 individuals age 60 and over who received Hardship Assistance. The Deadline to encumber funds is 12.31.21 per U.S. Treasury guidelines, and to also Enter 48,221 names.
If Council approves Eugene Tso emergency legislation, it goes to Prez and one day to enter all 48,221 names or lose money and return to Tresaury.
But Navajo Nation Purchasing department cannot humanly do. Jeremy Ben, purchasing department, can explain process. The Council calls for Ben but no answer.
Begaye says, “We will not be able to encumber funds for qualified elders.”
Council delegate Mark Freeland says Eugene Tso’s emergency legislation for elders would divide elders against rest of Navajo people.
Council Delegate Otto Tso says he supports Eugene Tso legislation and the Council needs to vote.
It is now 12:51 pm, 12.29.21, and Budget & Finance committee member Amber Kanazbah Crotty questions Acting Controller Elizabeth Begaye about her report.
Crotty tells Begaye I know the controller is not part of Eugene Tso’s legislation and the $14M needs to be encumbered by 12.31.21. And you informed Budget & Finance committee that you recommended that the $14M go to Navajo Division of Economic Development small businesses.
As acting Controller, you are under Nez & Lizer, and what will you do to make sure Elders receive checks? You said humanly impossible but what do you need to do with the president’s support to get this Hardship Assistance to communities?
Delegate Eugene Tso said he tried petitioning the Council for a Special Council Session a week ago to address his Emergency Legislation to use the estimated unexpended CARES Hardship funds for elders, age 60 years and older, There would have been time if Council supported Special Session a week ago. So now Council needs to vote and not waste time.
Acting Controller Begaye said it’s Dec. 29 and encumbrance means entering more than 48,000 into system.
Office of the Controller will share earlier memo about Unspent CARES Balances and issue Updated memo. She emphasizes that her Recommendation to have Unspent CARES Funds go to economic development division for small businesses.
WE do not have capacity to enter 48,000 names and issue 48,000 checks.
It is now 1:11 am, 12.29.21, and the Council votes 17 in favor, zero opposed to Cease Debate on Emergency Legislation to Reallocate Unspent CARES Hardship Assistance II funds to elders who are age 60 years and older.
The Unofficial voting tally is:
Elmer Begay Green, Kee Allen Begay Green, Paul Begay Green; Nathaniel Brown Green; Amber Kanazbah Crotty Red; Seth Damon EXCUSED; Herman Daniel Green; Pernell Halona Green; Jamie Henio Red; Vince James NoVote; Rickie Nez Green; Carl Slater Green; Raymond Smith Jr. Red; Wilson Stewart Jr Green; Otto Tso Green; Charlaine Tso Green; Daniel Tso NoVote; Eugene Tso Green; Thomas Walker Jr. Green; Edison Wauneka Green; Edmund Yazzie Green; Jimmy Yellowhair Green.
It is now 1:15 pm, 12.29.21, and the Council votes 20 in favor, 1 opposed on Emergency Legislation to Reallocate Unspent CARES Hardship Assistance II funds to elders who are age 60 years and older.
The Unofficial voting tally is:
Elmer Begay Green, Kee Allen Begay Green, Paul Begay Green; Nathaniel Brown Green; Amber Kanazbah Crotty Green; Seth Damon EXCUSED; Herman Daniel Green; Pernell Halona Green; Jamie Henio Green; Vince James NoVote; Rickie Nez Green; Carl Slater Green; Raymond Smith Jr. Green; Wilson Stewart Jr Green; Otto Tso Green; Charlaine Tso Green; Daniel Tso Green; Eugene Tso Green; Thomas Walker Jr. Green; Edison Wauneka Green; Edmund Yazzie Red; Jimmy Yellowhair Green.
It is now 1:19 pm, 12.29.21, and the Council is listening to the reading of Budget & Finance Committee member Amber Kanazbah Crotty’s Legislation 0263-21, which seeks Council approval to allocate $207M from ARPA funds into Hardship Assistance.
Motion by Delegate Daniel Tso, and Second by Delegate Paul Begay
It is now 1:26 pm, 12.29.21, and Budget & Finance Committee chairman Jamie Henio want to know how Crotty’s emergency legislation for $207M impacts the Nez&Lizer legislation for Council to allocate $207M for Hardshp Assistance. Nez&lizer are asking for a total of $1.16 Billion of $2.1 Billion in ARPA funds for infrastructure projects. nez&lizer asking for $207M of the $1.16 Billion for Hardship Assistance.
My Vote is for Council to approve nez&lizer request for $207M.
Delegate Elmer Begay asks why the amount is $207M when our People are dying daily, and they are in critical financial need. The families are mourning. One day their relative got sick and left and they nevr their faces again. How can they recover? Is there Healing for them?
It is now 1:35 pm, 12.29.21, and Budget & Finance Committee member Amber Kanazbah Crotty said it is not her intent for nez&lizer to withdraw their $1.16 Billion legislation.
Crotty says Regarding B&F committee chairman Jamie Henio concern about those individuals that have not received a Hardship Assistance check, that question should go to acting Controller Elizabeth Begaye.
Acting Controller Elizabeth Begaye says we cannot put a value on a life lost. $297M came from Council Resolution that mandated that 10% of $2.1 Billion ARPA be used for Hardship Assistance. She says $600 each is not enough, and Council has opportunity to change.
OK COUNCIL, amend your Council Resolution Limiting Hardship Assistance to 10% of $2.1 Billion of Navajo Nation ARPA Funds by INCREASING 10% to 40%.
B&F committee vice chairman raymond smith says the council is confusing the people by passing different Emergency Hardship Assistance Legislation.
It is now 1:53 pm, 12.29.21, and Delegate Eugene Tso said the People are in dire need now and the Council needs to Focus on Crotty’s Emergency Legislation to allocate $207 Million in Navajo Nation ARPA funds to Hardship Assistance, and not on nez&lizer $1.16 Billion legislation.
It is now 2 pm, 12.29.21 , and Budget & Finance Committee member Amber Kanazbah Crotty says there is growing Data that Hardship Assistance is Needed for Dine’ people who live on and off the reservation. She says the loss of income, loss of loves ones, funeral expenses, winter utility costs, need for wood, food, gasoline, vehicle maintenance, etc is Impacting our people mentally, physically, spiritually in a negative and they need help.
I agree that the 10% of the $2.1 Billion in Navajo Nation ARPA funds needs to be Increase based on very Frank & Open Discussion on what are People on & off the rez are Experiencing from the pandemic.
Council Delegate Otto Tso is asking if Council can waive that section of their Council resolution limiting hardship assistance to 10% of $2.1 Billion in NN ARPA funds.
It is now 2:10 pm, 12.29.21, and Council Delegate Vince James says Delegate Crotty’s Emergency Legislation needs Immediate Vote. There was a Snow Storm on part of the rez and more snow is coming. I support increasing the $600 to about $1,000 for each Navajo.
James says he supports Increasing the 10% of $2.1 Billion of NN ARPA for Hardship Assistance.
Council Delegate Edmund Yazzie says our chapter members and colleagues at home level have texted, emailed to support this and I do. We do see what is needed out there. I have question in getting $600 to $1,000 to $15000. Will that affect NN ARPA funds for NTUA other projects. We say we want check out immediately but acting Controller Elizabeth Begaye doesn’t have the staff.
WHY is Delegate Edmund Yazzie feeling Sorry for acting Controller Elizabeth Begaye, when she told the Council when Nez&lzier appointed her that SHE COULD DO THE JOB. I understand that acting Controller Begaye is being paid about an annual salary of $200,000. SO WHY NOT HAVE HARDSHP ASSISTANCE INCREASED?
It is now 2:24 pm, 12.29.21, and Navajo Nation Chief Legislative Counsel Dana Bobroff is advising the Council on how to Increase 10% for Hardship Assistance…But Bobroff does not make it easy for Council to do…even confusing. And she adds that what the Council plans to do could make the feds take a second look at Navajo Nation. I can’t recall Bobroff issuing that Warning to Council with nez&lizer legislation and legislation sponsored by certain delegates. I also didn’t hear her Protest when Speaker Seth Damon sponsored legislation for the Exploitation of Natural Resources/Helium without PUBLIC HEARINGS or review by Council committees.
Delegate Jimmy Yellowhair says he supports increasing $600 to $2,000 for adults and $600 for minors.
It is now 2:32 pm, 12.29.21, and Council Attorney Dana Bobroff says she needs an Expenditure Plan for an Increase in 10% of $2.1 Billion in NN ARPA funds, and that usually comes from controller.
Acting Controller Elizabeth Begaye says she has Draft Expenditure Plan and she just needs an Amount from Council.
It is now 2:46 pm, 12.29.21, and Council Delegate Edmund Yazzie says that nez already informed council that he supported $600 for each Navajo. Yazzie says that if a family has three children then that family will get $1,800. If the Council increase $600, Nez will Veto. He also says the Council needs to approve Crotty’s Emergency Legislation for $2078M which provides $600 to each Navajo.
Council Delegate Wilson Stewart Jr says he’s concerned time to drafty Amendment to Increase $600 and so he recommends Tabling Crotty’s Emergency Legislation until end of Council Special Session which gives attorney Dana Bobroff and Navajo Justice Dept time to Amend Crotty’s legislation to Increase $600.
It is now 3 pm, 12.29.21, and interim speaker eugenia Charles-newton is confused. Acting controller Elizabeth Begaye informed council that she has a Draft Expenditure Plan to Increase 10% of $2.1 Billion of NN ARPA funds for Hardship Assistance and All she needs is for the Council to Give her AMOUNT. But Charles-newton says there’s NO Expenditure Plan. Good Grief!!!
It is now 3 pm, 12.29.21, and Council Votes 7 in favor, 12 opposed to Cease Debate on Legislation 0263-21, $207M from $2.1B for Hardship Assistance.
It is now 3:18 pm, 12.29.21, and acting Controller Elizabeth Begaye just informed the Council that she has been working with Delegate Eugenia Charles-newton on a proposal for $2,000 for each adult and $600 for each minor. Begaye estimated that there are 250,000 adults that qualify for $2,000, which equals to $500M. She estimated that there are 95,000 minors that would qualify for $600, which equals to $57M. And so the Total Amount needed for Hardship assistance would be $557 MILLION.
OMG, and now Council attorney Dana Bobroff tells Budget & Finance committee member Amber Kanazbah Crotty that she gave the Wrong advise to Crotty that she could not make Amendment to Increase $207M for Hardship assistance.
It is now 3:25 pm, 12.29.21, and Delegate Herman Daniels Jr. made a Motion to Table Crotty’s Emergency Legislation 0263-21 to appropriate $207M for Hardship assistance.
It is now 3:30 pm, 12.29.21, and Budget and finance committee member Amber Crotty says she opposed the Tabling Motion by Delegates Herman Daniels and Eugene Tso for her emergency legislation to be Tabled until end of session so Amendment to Increase $600 Hardship assistance for each Navajo because acting Controller Begaye has an Expenditure Plan and the option would be for Council to take a Recess while Amendment being prepared.
Delegate Herman Daniels suddenly announces that he’s withdrawing his Tabling Motion.
It is now 4:06 pm, 12.29.21, and Delegates Edmund Yazzie & Pernell Halona want Council to vote on Ceasing debate on Crotty’s legislation and Vote. But Work continues on Crotty’s legislation to increase $600 to $2,000 for adults and $600 for minors.
Budget & Finance committee member Amber Crotty asks how Interim Speaker Eugenia Charles-Newton can say there has been a Balanced Debate on Crotty’s legislation when she Defined Healthy Debate as Overwhelming Support for Crotty’s bill.
NOTE – Speaker allows Cease Debate Vote if there is a Balanced Debate on legislation.
Interim Speaker Charles-Newton says the Vote on Cease Debate will tell the Council if they want to wait for Amendment to Increase $600 to $2,000 and $600 for minors or Vote on $207M for Hardship which equals to $600 for each Navajo.
It is now 4:16 pm, and the Council votes 12 in favor, 8 opposed to Cease Debate on Crotty’s Emergency Legislation for $207 Million for $600 for each Navajo. Cease Debate FAILS
Elmer Begay Green; Kee Allen Begay EXCUSED; Paul Begay Jr. Green; Nathaniel Brown Red; Amber Kanazbah Crotty Red; Seth Damon EXCUSED; Herman Daniels Red; Pernell Halona Green; Jamie Henio Green; Vince James Green; Rickie Nez Green; Carl Slater Red; Raymond Smith Jr. Green; Wilson Stewart Jr. Red; Otto Tso Red; Charlaine Tso Red; Daniel Tso Green; Eugene Tso Green; Thomas Walker Jr. Green; Edison Wauneka Green; Edmund Yazzie Green; Jimmy Yellowhair Red.
Delegate Jimmy Yellowhair asking what is Council voting on because work is ongoing on his amendment to increase $600 to $2,000 for each adult and $600 for minors.
Delegate Crotty says that in reading rule 25D, I challenge cease debate cuz not balanced debate cuz in the middle of drafting of Amendment and there was no consensus on Moving Forward.
Interim Speaker Charles-Newton says 19 debating and 13 spoke in favor, I cannot force colleagues to debate.
Budget & Finance Committee chairman Jamie Henio says the council is in middle of voting so ask attorney Bobroff is Crotty’s challenge legal. Bobroff says it’s not.
It is now 4:45 pm, 12.29.21, and the Council is listening to a Complete Amendment to increase $207 Million to $557 Million so each adult Navajo will receive $2,000, and each Navajo minor will receive $600. The Amendment would also asks Council to waive a section in their Council Resolution that limited Hardship Assistance to 10% of $2.1 Billion of Navajo Nation ARPA funds, which would give $600 to each Navajo. The waive would allow Council to increase $207 Million to $557 Million.
Delegates Nathaniel Brown and Charlaine Tso are sponsoring the Amendment.
Budget & Finance Committee chairman Jamie Henio says that Nez&lizer chief of staff Paulsen chaco has not signed budget forms and would that make Crotty’s legislation out of order?
Attorney Bobroff says Chief of staff chaco signature not needed cuz emergency legislation waived Review.
It is now 4:54 pm, 12.29.21, and Council delegate Elmer Begay asking where additional funds for $557 million coming from cuz nez&lize legislation requesting $1.16 Billion for water and wastewater projects, broadband projects, home electricity connection projects, housing and housing renovation projects, bathroom addition projects, and Hardship Assistance.
Delegate Nathaniel Brown said he’s Satisfied with increasing $207 Million to $557 Million. The $2,000 per Navajo is not enough for some families who are coping with COVID sickness. And he said the Navajo Nation is sending back about $14 Million in Unspent CARES dollars to the U.S.
It is now 4:58 pm, 12.29.21, and Delegate Herman Daniels about to speak when Resources & Development Committee chairman Rickie Nez asks if sponsors of Amendment concur with Technical Changes made by Bobroff.
Interim Speaker Charles-Newton says Technical Amendment Changes sent to all Delgates.
It is now 5:11 pm, 12.29.21, and some Council delegates, such as Delegate Edmund Yazzie, continue to Worry about whether increasing the $207 Million in ARPA funds to $557 Million for Hardship assistance will take away from infrastructure projects, such as water and wastewater projects, broadband projects, home electricity connection projects, housing and housing renovation projects, bathroom addition projects, and Hardship Assistance. He says he worries about the future of Dine’ who need infrastructure. Yazzie also was not listening when Council Attorney Bobroff told Council that Chief of Staff Paulsen Chaco signature not needed on Increase of $207M to $557M. Yazzie says that the lack of a signature by Chaco on Increase makes Crotty’s legislation Out of Order.
Navajo Attorney General Doreen MacPaul tells Yazzie that Council attorney Bobroff informed Council that Chaco signature not needed and justice dept does not disagree with Bobroff.
Budget & Fiancne committee chairman Jamie Henio says he Disagrees with attorney Bobroff and attorney general MacPaul.
It is now 5:21 pm, 12.29.21, and interim Speaker Rickie Nez is asking Attorney General MacPaul to inform Council about impact to ARPA funding of water and wastewater projects, broadband projects, home electricity connection projects, housing and housing renovation projects, and bathroom additions with increasing $207M to $557M.
Delegate Herman Daniels says it’s unknow where the increase in funding for Hardship Assistance will come from.
Good Grief!!! Nez&Lizer have not submitted a DETAILED Budget for their $1.16 Billion in Navajo Nation ARPA funds. Nez&lizer have not Electronically Posted how nez&lizer and the council spent $714 Million in CARES Funds.
It is now 5:26 pm, 12.29.21, and Council attorney Dana Bobroff says there is an Unallocated amount of more than $450,000,000 that could be used to increase $207M to $557M.
Interim Speaker Rickie Nez announced that the Council CANNOT VOTE on the $557M until there is Report on how the $557M will impact nez&lizer $1.16 Billion.
Attorney General Doreen MacPaul reporting that Council waiver of 10% of $2.1 billion for Hardship assistance is okay but council needs to be careful cuz could result in ARPA returning to feds.
Interim Speaker Charles-Newton returns after she certified Delegate Eugene Tso’s legislation for Unexpended CARES Hardship Assistance funds to go to Hardship assistance for Navajo who are 60 years and older. The Council approved Tso’s legislation and now that it was certified, it goes to Nez.
Budget & Finance committee chairman Jamie Henio continues to Cry Around about how he disagrees with legal advice by attorney Bobroff that Chief of Staff Chaco’s signature is not needed on Increasing $207M to $557M. What water projects will lose their funding to the increase, Henio asks..
It is now 5:17 pm, 12.29.21, and Delegate Eugene Tso says he supports Crotty’s legislation for $207M for Hardship assistance. But he’s concerned about Amendment to increase $207M to $557M cuz his constituents live in shacks. They need housing. How long are we going to live like this, he asks.
It is now 5:42 pm, 12.29.21, and Budget & Finance Committee member Amber Kanazbah Crotty says that the requirement for a signature from chief of staff from office of prez and vice prez is not legally required. Crotty says Navajo Nation financial guidelines ONLY Recommends that chief of staff sign off budget forms.
Crotty says that if some delegates are that concerned about nez&lizer chief of staff Paulsen chaco’s signature then her legislation can be sent to him for his signature because she’s sure that Chaco understands that the People Need Financial Help.
Council Delegate Otto Tso says, “Let’s get these dollars out to the Navajo people. This amendment is positive for the people, not the Navajo government. These dollars should benefit the Navajo people, not the Navajo government. These dollars will help families pay for utility bills. Hardship is at the local level, not at the government level.”
It is now 5:50 pm, 12.29.21, and Council Delegate Vince James reminds nez&lizer and the council that the $2.1 Billion in Navajo Nation ARPA funds was based on the enrollment of the Navajo people and their children. “This money belongs to them,” James says.
He adds that the $2.1 Billion should have been allocated to the People living on and off the reservation first and then to infrastructure projects.
James calls for a Cease Debate.
The Council vote on Cease Debate is 11 in favor, 10 opposed.
Elmer Begay Green; Kee Allen Begay Excused; Paul Begay Jr. Red; Nathaniel Brown Green; Amber Kanazbah Crotty Red; Seth Damon Excused; Herman Daniels Red; Pernell Halona Green; Jamie Henio Red; Vince James Green; Rickie Nez Red; Carl Slater Red; Raymond Smith Red; Wilson Stewart Jr ; Otto Tso Green; Charlaine Tso Green; Daniel Tso Green; Eugene Tso Green; Thoms Walker Jr. Red; Edison Wauneka Green; Edmund Yazzie Red; Jimmy Yellowhair Green.
It is now 6:13 pm, 12.29.21, and Council Delegate Carl Slater says he supports Crotty’s bill but the $2.1 Billion in ARPA funds would provide for future investments in the ground. A short term fix will not be a long term fix. Many water projects were funded under Indian Health Services.
It is now 6:35 pm, 12.29.21, and Delegate Raymond Smith Jr. continues to be Concerned about Increasing hardship assistance from $600 to each Navajo to $2,000 for each Navajo adult and $600 for each Navajo minor. He says that a married couple with children will receive more than $4,000.
Smith needs to show that Same Concern for his Chapter. Here’s a story I wrote about his Chapter in September and how They are Spending Navajo government public funds.
NAHATA DZIIL, Ariz. – Nahata Dziil Commission President Darryl Ahasteen and Vice President Lyndale Curley are under investigation for receiving thousands of dollars in advances for meeting and travel stipends and not repaying the advances.
ITG New Mexico, LLC, found in a June 30, 2021, “accounting investigation report,” that when Ahasteen was a Nahata Dziil commissioner, he received a total of $33,700 in advances from Oct. 1, 2016, to May 20, 2021, and may have possibly repaid $7,965.44, which left an estimated balance of $25,734.56.
The repayments and outstanding balance were estimated because ITG found that the former commission governance manager used numerous budget accounts to pay advances for travel, meeting stipends, and payroll of commissioners and employees, and when advances were repaid, other budget accounts that were not used for the advances were credited.
“What is evident is a pattern of misconduct that indicates a complete disregard of good accounting practices and actively violates the policies of Nahata Dziil Commission Governance and the statements made to the auditor general’s office,” the ITG stated.
The Navajo Nation Office of the Auditor General audited the Nahata Dziil Commission from July 1, 2018, to June 30, 2019, which resulted in nine findings.
During an Aug. 19 Nahata Dziil Commission Governance meeting, several community members informed the commission that they had not seen the audit and they wanted a copy.
ITB focused on audit findings 5 and 6, which specifically addressed advances for meeting stipends, travel, and payroll.
The auditors reported that meeting and payroll stipend advances are for family emergencies, but advances were approved, and checks issued without a commission resolution confirming that the advances were approved and for family emergencies.
They reported that they tested 87 “cash disbursements” for advances and found that four checks were for employees and totaled $9,918. There were also three checks for commissioners, which totaled $4,000.
“However, none were for family emergencies as required in the personnel policies and procedures manual,” the auditors stated. “Advances to commissioners were for personal travel and vehicle repairs. Advances to employees were for septic services, personal vehicle payments, purchasing personal vehicles, and personal travel. Paying ineligible advances totaling $13,918 is a misappropriation of the assets of the commission governance.”
The auditors recommended that the commission manager stop processing advances for non-family emergencies, and the commission stop approving payment of advances for non-family emergencies.
They also reported that commissioners and employees who received stipend, travel, and payroll advances were not paying back their advances in a timely manner.
Officials with ITG New Mexico, LLC, of Albuquerque, an accounting software company, confirmed that they were investigating Nahata Dziil Commission members regarding alleged misuse of Nahata Dziil government funds and financial policies regarding advances on meeting stipends and immediately repaying the advances.
ITG officials also confirmed that their investigation of Ahasteen and Curley resulted in working cooperatively with the Navajo Nation Department of Justice, its White-Collar Crime Unit, and the Navajo Nation Division of Community Development Administrative Service Centers.
The Administrative Service Centers are responsible for proving technical assistance and training for chapters to become self-governing units of local government; monitor and ensure chapters comply with all Navajo Nation financial policies, procedures, and laws when tracking, receiving, allocating, and expending all funds, and assist chapters in establishing sustainable chapter operations, and preserving public trust in the government.
The Gallup Independent called the ASC’s main office phone number but no one answered. The Independent was unable to leave a voice message because that service was unavailable. There was also no voice message on how to contact staff.
The ITG also found that Ahasteen received a total of $132,296.42 from Oct. 1, 2016, to May 6, 2021, as a vendor. Curley received $152,946.45 as a vendor.
Ahasteen and Curley explained during the Aug. 19 Commission Governance meeting that the former commission manager would issue checks to them to cash, which they returned to the commission manager, who used the funds as petty cash.
Both Ahasteen and Curley said they were repaying their advances, but they did know what their outstanding balances were.
The former commission manager was Eunice Yesslith, and according to the ITG investigative report, Yesslith received $182,372.30 in travel and payroll advances from Oct. 1, 2016, to May 10, 2021. She may have repaid $45,540, which possible left a balance of $136,832.30. Yesslith also received $376,871.10 as a vendor.
The ITG noted in their investigative report that then Nahata Dziil Commission President Wayne Lynch, Vice President Jemez Horseman, Treasurer Margaret Bedonie, Secretary Darrell Tso, and commissioners Ahasteen and Eunice Yesslith stated in a Dec. 30, 2019, letter to the Navajo Nation Office of the Auditor General, “There will be no advances issued until all advances are repaid back in full and approved resolution is attached.”
The commissioners also assured the auditors that advances would be approved and paid for family emergencies only and their staff would have a strategic work session on Jan. 17 and 18, 2020, to make the recommended audit corrections. During the Navajo Nation audit, Curley was the Nahata Dziil account maintenance specialist.
The ITG reported that after the commission informed the auditors that they are correcting all nine audit findings, Ahasteen received $4,500 in advances. Curley received $24,540, and Yesslith received $53,308.80.
“Any transactions to these general ledger codes after December 31, 2019, can only be categorized as blatant, intentional disregard for chapter policies, the internal audit report, and subsequent replies signed by the chapter commissioners,” ITG stated.
It is now 6:45 pm, 12.29.21, and Council voting on Cease Debate on Amendment One to Increase $207M to $557M. The Council vote is 15 in favor, 5 opposed. Cease Debate Passes.
Unofficial Voting Tally, 15 in favor, 5 opposed.
Elmer Begay Green; Kee Allen Begay EXCUSED; Paul Begay Jr. Green; Nathaniel Brown Green; Amber Kanazbah Crotty Red; Seth Damon EXCUSED; Herman Daniels Jr Green; Mark Freeland EXCUSED; Pernell Halona Green; Jamie Henio Red; Vince James Green; Rickie Nez Green; Carl Slater Green; Raymond Smith Jr. Red; Wilson Stewart Jr. Green; Otto Tso Green; Charlaine Tso Green; Daniel Tso Green; Eugene Tso Green; Thomas Walker Jr. Red; Edison Wauneka Green; Edmund Yazzie Red; Jimmy Yellowhair Green.
It is now 6:51 pm, 12.29.21, and Council voting on Amendment to Increase $207M to $557M 15 in favor, 5 opposed.
Unofficial Voting Tally
Elmer Begay Green; Kee Allen Begay EXCUSED; Paul Begay Jr. Green; Nathaniel Brown Green; Amber Kanazbah Crotty Green; Seth Damon EXCUSED; Herman Daniels Jr Green; Mark Freeland EXCUSED; Pernell Halona Green; Jamie Henio Red; Vince James Green; Rickie Nez Green; Carl Slater Green; Raymond Smith Jr. Red; Wilson Stewart Jr. Green; Otto Tso Green; Charlaine Tso Green; Daniel Tso Green; Eugene Tso Green; Thomas Walker Jr. Red; Edison Wauneka Red; Edmund Yazzie Red; Jimmy Yellowhair Green.
It is now 6:59 pm, 12.29.21, and Council Delegate Charlaine Tso says she is ready to Vote Green to Help our People in Need.
Delegate Nathaniel Brown calls for Motion to Cease Debate to Vote on Crotty’s Legislation for $557M for Hardship Assistance. Delegate Charlaine Tso Seconds his Motion.
The Council vote on Cease Debate is 16 in favor, 4 opposed.
Unofficial Voting Talley:
Elmer Begay Green; Kee Allen Begay EXCUSED; Paul Begay Jr. Green; Nathaniel Brown Green; Amber Kanazbah Crotty RED; Seth Damon EXCUSED; Herman Daniels Jr Green; Mark Freeland EXCUSED; Pernell Halona Green; Jamie Henio RED; Vince James Green; Rickie Nez Green; Carl Slater Green; Raymond Smith Jr. RED; Wilson Stewart Jr. Green; Otto Tso Green; Charlaine Tso Green; Daniel Tso Green; Eugene Tso Green; Thomas Walker Jr. RED; Edison Wauneka Green; Edmund Yazzie Green; Jimmy Yellowhair Green.
It is now 7:09 pm, 12.29.21, and the Council is Listening to the Second Reading of Crotty’s Legislation 0263-21, which seeks Council approval of allocating $557 Million from the $2.1 Billion in Navajo Nation ARPA funds for Hardship Assistance, which will provide for $2,000 for each enrolled Navajo adult and $600 for each enrolled Navajo minor. After the Reading, the Council begins voting on Legislation 0263-21.
The Council vote on Legislation 0263-21 is 18 in favor, 2 opposed and PASSES
Unofficial Voting Tally:
Elmer Begay Green; Kee Allen Begay EXCUSED; Paul Begay Jr. Green; Nathaniel Brown Green; Amber Kanazbah Crotty Green; Seth Damon EXCUSED; Herman Daniels Jr Green; Mark Freeland EXCUSED; Pernell Halona Green; Jamie Henio RED; Vince James Green; Rickie Nez Green; Carl Slater Green; Raymond Smith Jr. RED; Wilson Stewart Jr. Green; Otto Tso Green; Charlaine Tso Green; Daniel Tso Green; Eugene Tso Green; Thomas Walker Jr. Green; Edison Wauneka Green; Edmund Yazzie Green; Jimmy Yellowhair Green.
It is now 7:17 pm, 12.29.21 and Budget & Finance Committee vice chairman Raymond smith and Budget & Finance Committee member Jimmy Yellowhair motion to ADJOURN with 3 legislation remaining on Council agenda.
The Council votes 11 in favor, 9 oppose to Adjourn Council special session. The Council adjourns at 7:21 pm, 12.29.21
The Unofficial Voting Tally:
Elmer Begay Green; Kee Allen Begay EXCUSED; Paul Begay Jr. Green; Nathaniel Brown Green; Amber Kanazbah Crotty RED; Seth Damon EXCUSED; Herman Daniels Jr Green; Mark Freeland EXCUSED; Pernell Halona RED; Jamie Henio Green; Vince James Green; Rickie Nez RED; Carl Slater RED; Raymond Smith Jr. Green; Wilson Stewart Jr. Green; Otto Tso RED; Charlaine Tso RED; Daniel Tso RED; Eugene Tso RED; Thomas Walker Jr. Green; Edison Wauneka RED; Edmund Yazzie Green; Jimmy Yellowhair Green.
PROPOSED AGENDA OF THE 24th NAVAJO NATION COUNCIL SPECIAL SESSION VIA TELECOMMUNICATION
Wednesday, December 29, 2021 – 10 AM
Navajo Nation Council Chambers, Window Rock, Navajo Nation (AZ)
Call-in Number: (669) 900-6833, Meeting ID: 928 871 7160, Passcode: 86515
PRESIDING: Honorable Seth Damon, Speaker, 24th Navajo Nation Council
- CALL MEETING TO ORDER; ROLL CALL; INVOCATION
- RECOGNIZE GUESTS AND VISITING OFFICIALS TO THE NAVAJO NATION
- REVIEW AND ADOPT THE AGENDA
(m) (s) (v) - REPORTS: NONE
- OLD BUSINESS: NONE
- NEW BUSINESS:
A. LEGISLATION 0264-21: An Action Relating to an Emergency and the Navajo Nation Council; Reallocating Unexpended CARES Funds Previously Allocated to the Phase II Hardship Assistance Expenditure Plan Through Resolution No. CJN-35-21 to Hardship Assistance Recipients Age 60 and Over (2/3)
SPONSOR: Honorable Eugene Tso
(m) (s) (v)
B. LEGISLATION 0243-21: An Action Relating to Health, Education and Human Services and Naabik’íyáti’ Committees and the Navajo Nation Council; Confirming the Appointment of Dr. Harold G. Begay as Superintendent of Schools for the Department of Diné Education
SPONSOR: Honorable Daniel E. Tso
CO-SPONSOR: Honorable Otto Tso
CO-SPONSOR: Honorable Edison J. Wauneka
(m) (s) (v) - CLOSE OF SESSION; ANNOUNCEMENTS; ADJOURNMENT
THIS AGENDA IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE: The public is advised that the Navajo Nation Council Agenda and the Agendas of the Standing Committees are not final until adopted by a majority vote of the Navajo Nation Council or the Standing Committee at a Navajo Nation Council or a Standing Committee meeting pursuant to 2 N.N.C. §§ 163 and 183, Navajo Nation Council Rule of Order No. 7, and Standing Committee Rule of Order No. 8.
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