WINDOW ROCK, AZ – Members of the 25th Navajo Nation Council met with Arizona state legislators to discuss key Navajo priorities during the 30th Indian Nations and Tribes Legislative Day at the Arizona State Capitol. Navajo Nation Speaker Crystalyne Curley met with Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen to discuss a proposal addressing dual taxation on the Navajo Nation.
“Encouraging private business development is crucial for our economy, but when entrepreneurs face dual taxation from both the Nation and the state, many choose to set up elsewhere, depriving us of revenue,” said Speaker Curley.
Speaker Curly emphasized that while the Nation cannot eliminate taxes, the proposed Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) would offer a credit to offset dual taxation on a single economic activity. The proposal also seeks to amend the Nation’s Fuel Excise Tax agreement to retain more revenue within the Nation. President Petersen expressed support for a fair solution for both parties.
Health, Education, and Human Services Vice Chair Germaine Simonson met with Arizona Senator Theresa Hatathlie and Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services Director John F. Scott II to discuss support for tribal healing ceremonies for veterans with PTSD. Sen. Hatathlie noted that in 2023, the Arizona Department of Health developed a grant to assist Native American veterans with PTSD through traditional healing. To distribute these funds, the department established an intergovernmental agreement with the 22 tribal nations in Arizona.
“We want to ensure these funds are used as efficiently as possible,” said Director Scott. Vice Chair Simonson agreed, adding that this discussion could lead to broader conversations about the grant’s administration. “Many veterans were told their service information was classified and never shared it,” said Simonson. “Now, years later, they seek traditional medicine to heal their wounds. This funding would greatly benefit veterans seeking those services.”
Council Delegates Shawna Ann Claw, Cherilyn Yazzie, Dr. Andy Nez, and Vice Chair Simonson met with Arizona State Rep. Mae Peshlakai to discuss expanding elder care facilities in Arizona tribal nations. Rep. Peshlakai noted that she’s introducing a bill to allocate $15 million to improve and create these facilities where they are lacking.
“I’ve spoken with elders, and this is a concern they’ve raised,” said Rep. Peshlakai. “I want to provide solutions for tribal communities.”