Key Navajo Issues Presented to Arizona Governor Brewer

Native News Network Staff in Native Briefs. Discussion »

WINDOW ROCK, ARIZONA – Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly outlined key Navajo issues to Arizona Governor Jan Brewer during a meeting yesterday morning in the President's office.

Governor Brewer was in Window Rock to meet with President Shelly and to attend the Code Talker's Day celebration in Veteran's Park.

“These are issues that are important to the Navajo people,”

President Shelly said.

President Shelly presented Governor Brewer with the Navajo Nation's position statement about ongoing issues in Arizona like Navajo Generating Station, double taxation for businesses, tribal gaming, education and health issues.

The Navajo Generating Station is facing a possible US Environmental Protection Agency rule proposal that endangers about 1,000 jobs because the EPA's rules would cause the Navajo Generating Station to install costly emissions reduction technology.

“The Navajo Generating Station is a major employer. The impacts of a Navajo Generating Station closure cannot be estimated,”

President Shelly said.

Governor Brewer said she supported the President Shelly's stance regarding the Navajo Generating Station.

President Shelly also presented issues about the Transaction Privilege Tax in Arizona, and that businesses on the Navajo Nation are being dually taxed.

“The double taxation of businesses by the state and the Navajo Nation is a drag on the ability to attract investment to the Navajo Nation,”

President Shelly said.

Governor Brewer acknowledged that the Transaction Privilege Tax issue needs a solution and recommended the Navajo Nation work with the Arizona Commerce Authority to solve the TPT issue.

“I was hoping someone would come over and talk to our Commerce Authority,”

Governor Brewer said.

President Shelly said he hopes that off track betting won't interfere with Twin Arrows Casino Resort potential profits. Earlier this year, Governor Brewer signed into law allowing off track betting for a Tucson dog track.

But President Shelly said he supported Governor Brewer in opposition of a proposed gaming enterprise in Glendale.

President Shelly thanked Governor Brewer for her continuing support of Diné College and keeping Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System funding intact.

“I know we can work together to make more improvements to the Navajo Nation,”

President Shelly said.

posted August 15, 2012 7:00 am edt