PRESS RELEASE – The 23rd Navajo Nation Council is scheduled to convene in a special session on Tuesday, Oct. 30 at 1:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber in Window Rock to consider Legislation No. 0345-18, which seeks to amend the Navajo Nation’s fiscal year 2019 Comprehensive Budget.

On Sept. 4, the Navajo Nation Council unanimously adopted the fiscal year 2019 Comprehensive Budget through Resolution CS-68-18, which later became subject to a total of 31 line item vetoes issued by President Russell Begaye totaling $7,135,449.

On Thursday, the Naabik’iyátí’ Committee considered the legislation and issued a “do pass” recommendation with one amendment to include a carryover amount of $217,567 for the Navajo Election Administration for costs associated with the upcoming general election on Nov. 6.

Legislation sponsored Council Delegate Seth Damon (Bááháálí, Chichiltah, Manuelito, Tsé Lichíí’, Rock Springs, Tsayatoh) stated that the legislation would restore $3,272,445 for the executive branch, $3,058,049 for the legislative branch, and $304,955 for the judicial branch. An additional $500,000 is also included for the Nation’s contingency fund, which is designated to assist with future budget shortfalls.

Delegate Damon was joined by Office of the President and Vice President staff member Arbin Mitchell, who indicated that President Begaye is agreeable to the proposed legislation.

Naabik’iyátí’ Committee approved the legislation on Thursday by a vote of 12-0. Legislation No. 0345-18 will be considered by the Navajo Nation Council on Tuesday, and is subject to consideration by President Begaye.

The proposed agenda for the special session will be available on the Navajo Nation Council’s website at: www.navajonationcouncil.org.