via Navajo Nation Council FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Council approves the Healthy Diné Nation Act of 2014 WINDOW ROCK – On the final day of a two-day special session, the Navajo Nation Council took action on six pieces of legislations, including approving the “Healthy Diné Nation Act of 2014.” If signed into law by President Ben Shelly, the law will initiate a two-percent sales tax on food items deemed to have little-to-no nutritional value. Following the passage of the bill, legislation sponsor Council Delegate Danny Simpson (Becenti, Crownpoint, Huerfano, Lake Valley, Nageezi, Nahodishgish, Tse’ii’ahi, Whiterock) commended members of the community-based organization known as the Diné Community Advocacy Alliance, for their persistent efforts in promoting healthy living among Navajo communities. Delegate Simpson and DCAA members previously brought forth two similar legislations, one of which was voted down by the Council last year and the other was vetoed by President Shelly following approval by the Council. “The members of DCAA remained persistent and determined and never gave up on this effort,” stated Delegate Simpson. “This initiative will promote healthy living and impact communities at the local level by helping to establish wellness projects.” If signed into law, tax revenue will be deposited into a Community Wellness Development Projects Fund, to be administered by the Navajo Nation Division of Community Development. DCD will then disburse the funds to the Nation’s 110 chapters to initiate, match, and/or improve community wellness projects such as, farming and vegetable gardens, farmers’ markets, healthy convenience stores, and to fund wellness and exercise equipment and supplies. The resolution also includes an amendment previously approved by the Naabik’iyátí’ Committee, which calls for the proposed tax to expire in the year 2020, unless extended by the Council. “The Healthy Diné Nation Act is the beginning of addressing the dominate culture of unhealthy foods on our Navajo Nation, while creating opportunity for health and wellness initiatives across all chapters,” stated DCAA member Denisa Livingston. “This bill was created by the people for the people and we are immensely grateful for this opportunity.” Legislation No. 0177-14 was approved by a vote of 10-4. Other legislations acted on today include the approval of Legislation No. 0171-14 with a vote of 14-0, sponsored by Council Delegate Jonathan Hale (Oak Springs, St. Michaels). If signed into law, the bill will provide approximately $148,000 to Phoenix Indian Center, Inc. to fund Navajo language and culture classes, information seminars, and other initiatives. Council members voted down Legislation No. 0172-14 with a vote of 6-8. The bill, sponsored by Council Delegate Walter Phelps (Cameron, Coalmine Canyon, Leupp, Tolani Lake, Tsidi To ii), sought to amend Title 24 of the Navajo Nation Code to require two-thirds of Council’s full membership to impose any new taxes on the Navajo Nation. Currently, the law only requires a simple majority of Council’s approval. With a vote of 8-4, the Council approved Legislation No. 0183-14, sponsored by Council Delegate Charles Damon II (Bááháálí, Chichiltah, Manuelito, Tsé Lichíí’, Rock Springs, Tsayatoh). The bill will provide $1 million to fund eyeglasses for young and elderly persons across the Navajo Nation, if signed into law by President Shelly. The Council unanimously approved Legislation No. 0229-14 with a vote of 14-0, sponsored by Delegate Phelps. The legislation would allow businesses on the Navajo Nation to file as a “low profit” corporation to promote business growth related to the arts, entertainment, energy, technology, education, sports, agriculture, charities, etc. Delegate Phelps previously stated that a low profit limited liability company is a “hybrid of a for-profit and non-profit organization, which is also called a L3C and is a corporation that needs to be socially beneficial to community development.” Prior to adjourning, Council members voted 13-0 to approve Legislation No. 0233-14, which authorizes the purchase of approximately 67 acres of land known as “Rolling Mesa,” located within San Juan County in Farmington, N.M. for approximately $980,000. The legislation sponsored by Speaker Pro Tem LoRenzo Bates (Nenahnezad, Newcomb, San Juan, Tiis Tsoh Sikaad, Tse’Daa’Kaan, Upper Fruitland), also includes one amendment to hold the land in trust status instead of fee land status. President Shelly will have ten calendar days to consider the approved legislations once the resolutions are sent to the Office of the President and Vice President.
Posted on: Sat, 15 Nov 2014 03:18:34 +0000