Navajo MVD gets funding

By John Christian Hopkins
Diné Bureau

WINDOW ROCK — The Navajo Nation Council approved funding for a tribal motor vehicle department during a special session Tuesday.

The amendment, presented by Tse Daa Kaan Delegate Ervin M. Keeswood Sr., was tacked onto legislation seeking funding for the summer youth employment program.

The council already approved the creation of the motor vehicle department, but never set aside money for it, Keeswood said. He requested $800,000.

But Budget & Finance Committee Chairman LoRenzo C. Bates said Keeswood's request was not needed because money for the new department "is in the works."

Several weeks ago, B & F adjusted the base planning amount upwards by $12 million, and, at that time, asked the three branch chiefs for a list of priorities and unfunded mandates.

"That was on top of the legislative branch's list," Bates said.

Keeswood's amendment calls for a one-time funding, while B & F is looking to fund the department long-term, Bates said. "That way, it will not be a department that ceases to exist because of a lack of funding."

Keeswood's amendment passed by a 51-28 margin.

Funding for the youth was the only item on the agenda, and the bill was sponsored by Delegate Young Jeff Tom.

The Undesignated, Unreserved Fund has $18 million, and he wanted to use $3 million for youth employment, Tom explained.

"There's one item, but there will probably be amendments," said Delegate Amos F. Johnson. "We don't want to overdo it."

Delegate Orlanda Smith-Hodge offered an amendment totaling $2.6 million for various departments, including financial assistance funds for the offices of the speaker and president. Each delegate would be allowed $15,000 in financial assistance funds.

After Smith-Hodge's amendment passed, Delegate Sampson Begay asked for $150,000 for consultants for both the Public Safety and Transportation and Community Development committees. The consultants would be used to seek federal funding for ongoing projects, Begay explained.

"All the committees, we all want funding, too," Tom said. He was afraid that too many amendments would sink youth employment legislation.

"I support this, because I think it is an emergency," Delegate Lorenzo Curley said.

Begay's amendment was approved 52-28.

The Fort Defiance Caucus unanimously supports asking for $800,000 for the chapter's youth department, said Delegate Harold Wauneka.

All the amendments passed, when Keeswood gained the floor.

"I have an amendment or two or three or four," Keeswood joked.

But after winning funding for the motor vehicle office, Keeswood urged that the debate be ceased.

"I want to apologize to all of you who gave me your amendments, but I think it is better if we stop now," Keeswood said. "I'll carry this on at our next session."

The special session was held at the Din Education Center because of renovations ongoing at the chambers. The chambers should be ready for use by July 16, the opening day of the summer session, said Speaker Lawrence T. Morgan.