Greetings Relatives/Frens/Humans, The Navajo Nation Budget & Finance Committee is scheduled to hold its final public hearing regarding “public hearings to receive information and to provide input on the needs of communities in relation to the FY2025 Comprehensive Budget,” which is according to the Budget & Finance Committee on 8.7.24.
The BFC also stated in an 8.7.24 press release, “(Navajo Council) Standing committees are currently reviewing program budgets and unmet needs requests. The Navajo Nation Council will consider legislation for the Comprehensive Budget in early September. Each of the hearings will be broadcast virtually on the (Navajo) Council’s YouTube channel. Zoom information is listed on the flyer.” According to the BFC flier for its public hearings, the Zoom Information is:
Zoom Call number: 669 900 6833
Meeting ID: 232 628 2566
Passcode: 86515
I attended the BFC public hearing for the Navajo Nation Central Agency on 8.17.24, Friday, in Chinle, Ariz., at the chapter/local government. I received several messages that the 8.16.24 BFC public hearing in Chinle was not on YouTube. I viewed the beginning of the 8.16.24 BFC public hearing on the Naavajo Council YouTube channel. There was only a black screen and the sound was choppy. I began livestreaming about 11:45 am, 8.16.24.
According to an 8.13.24 BFC press release, BFC Chairwoman Shaandiin Parrish explained at the BFC’s first public hearing at the Crownpoint, New Mexico, Chapter/local government for the Navajo Nation Eastern Agency on 8.12.24, “Our goal with these public hearings is to ensure that the priorities of our communities are heard and integrated into the Navajo Nation’s plans.”
The Navajo Council public information office reported that about 30 attendees at the Crownpoint public hearing informed the BFC about the deteriorating infrastructure in the Navajo Nation Eastern Agency, especially of child daycare centers, preschool buildings, and senior centers. Community members expressed their frustration over the neglect of these critical facilities, underscoring the need for safe and well-maintained spaces for the Nation’s youth and elderly, the Navajo Council public information office stated.
BFC Vice Chairman Carl Slater replied, “We’re committed to prioritizing and securing the necessary resources to address these concerns, focusing on sustainable solutions. To that end, we are working with our executive branch programs to fulfill their obligations in relation to the capital improvement plan under the (Navajo Nation) Appropriations Act.”
Navajo Nation Vice President Richelle Montoya, who attended the hearing, provided an update on her initiatives regarding animal welfare across the Navajo Nation, according to the 8.1.24 press release.
During the hearing, officials from the Crownpoint and Church Rock Chapter Houses raised critical issues regarding the challenges in securing approvals for infrastructure projects, the need for increased funding for higher education, and the necessity of full-time maintenance workers to ensure the proper upkeep of chapter facilities.
Mihio Manus, Navajo Council Communications director, stated that To’Hajiilee, New Mexico, Chapter President Jimmy R. Secatero reported to the BFC about the need for veterans housing.
Manus stated that other chapter officials reported about how community memberss made personal sacrifices during the COVID-19 pandemic on the Navajo Nation to help community members and some officials have not received compensation.
He added that the BFC is focused on integrating the input gathered from the public hearings into the final budget proposal, which is scheduled for the Navajo Council in September.
The Budget and Finance Committee has scheduled its public hearing for the Northern Navajo Agency on Monday, August 19, 2024, at the Shiprock Chapter on Monday, 8.19.24. Doors open at 8 a.m. and the hearing begins at 10 a.m.
