Originally Published: February 27, 2002 6:15 p.m.
Please be advised that after further research and evaluation I have decided to exercise my veto authority pursuant to 2 NNC § 1005 (C) (10). The above-referenced legislation was passed by the Navajo Nation Council on Tuesday, January 29, 2002 by a vote of 64 in favor, 6 opposed, 2 abstaining. Speaker Begay certified the legislation on Thursday, January 31, 2002.
The Office of the President/Vice-President supports the general intent of CJA-04-02 to appropriate funds to our educational institutions, such as Navajo Preparatory School, Inc. However, because the Unreserved/Undesignated Fund Balance is $7.1 million which is substantially below the mandated level of $49 million, I cannot support CJA-04-02. Pursuant to the Appropriations Act, the minimum fund balance for the Unreserved/Undesignated Fund Balance shall be maintained at a level equal to the amount required to operate the Navajo Nation Government for six (6) months based upon the operating budget for the prior year, excluding expenditures for Capitol Improvement Projects as determined by the Controller. Furthermore, the Unreserved/Undesignated Fund Balance may not be used to fund recurring expenditures or operations of the Navajo Nation Government; rather it should be used for emergency situations.