Nez-Lizer Approve $3 Million Appropriation for Summer Youth Employment

Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez signs Resolution CJN-21-19 in Mariano Lake, N.M. on June 7, 2019.

Published June 9, 2019

MARIANO LAKE, N.M. —  Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer approved a resolution on Friday, to appropriate $3 million from the Navajo Nation’s Unreserved, Undesignated Fund Balance for summer youth employment funds for the 110 Navajo chapters.

President Nez was joined by Council Delegate Edmund Yazzie of the 24^th Navajo Nation Council and local youth community members, as he signed the resolution during the 16^th Annual Treaty Day Commemoration event hosted by the Mariano Lake Chapter. 

“With today’s signing of this resolution, Vice President Lizer and I are demonstrating our commitment to providing opportunities for our Navajo students by investing in their future. We are confident that by providing jobs for our youth, that our Nation will see the benefits as they become adults and give back to their communities,” said President Nez.

The $3 million appropriation will be distributed to the 110 chapters based on a“50/50 formula,” meaning that $1.5 million will be distributed evenly among all chapters, and the remaining $1.5 million will be distributed based on the number of registered voters at each chapter.

“We’re excited to support this bill, so that chapters can begin hiring more high school and college students this summer. This funding will provide benefits for our communities, while also allowing students to earn income that will help them cover academic expenses or cost-of-living expenses for college students,” stated Vice President Lizer.

Council Delegate Edmund Yazzie, who represents the Mariano Lake community as a member of the 24^th Navajo Nation Council, said he was pleased that his constituents were able to be part of the signing of the resolution. He also offered his appreciation to his Council colleagues, President Nez, and Vice President Lizer for supporting the funding for youth.

“It’s wonderful to have our children and community members with us today as President Nez signs this resolution that will help many students and families this summer as they continue to pursue their academic goals in the upcoming school year,” said Delegate Yazzie.