WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — avajo Nation President Buu Nygren signed Resolution CF-07-25, the Navajo Nation Fiscal Year 2025 comprehensive budget March 14.
In his budget message, Nygren expressed disappointment over cuts to the Office of the President and Vice President’s budget. Despite his perspective, the Council prioritized essential services, including direct programs at both central and local levels, aimed at preventing layoffs and ensuring the budget met community needs.
“The FY2025 Comprehensive Budget was designed with a clear focus on meeting the critical needs of the Navajo people,” Speaker Crystalyne Curley said. “Additionally, it allocated vital support for employees, Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency, Navajo Nation scholarship, the Navajo Chapter Veterans’ Organization, Emergency Medical Services, and many others. I’d like to thank my colleagues for focusing on broader, critical priorities of the Nation.”
The FY2025 budget funded several key service areas, including:
- $2 million for solid waste projects and community assistance for all 110 Navajo Nation Chapters.
- $2 million for Navajo Scholarship and Financial Assistance.
- $7.3 million for Emergency Medical Services for capital expenses, including specialized vehicles, defibrillators, and auto pulses.
- $750,000 for advocate and victim services for the Utah Navajo Health System.
- Over $568,000 for advocate and victim services for Victim Services of Northern Arizona.
- Over $921,000 to replenish Summer Youth Employment Programs for chapters under the $30,000 threshold.
- $1.4 million for annual compensation increases for Navajo Nation employees, including step increases and bonuses.
- $4.7 million for a 4% General Wage adjustment for Executive, Legislative, and Judicial Branch employees.
- $1.4 million for excess annual leave forfeiture payouts.
- $550,000 for Navajo Chapter Veterans’ Organizations across all 110 Navajo Nation Chapters.
In response to Nygren’s claim that the proposed budget “starves” his office of resources, it is important to note that the OPVP’s budget was increased by $780,000 in FY2025, reflecting a nearly 20% increase. During the duration of his administration, the OPVP budget has increased by $1.6 million, reflecting a 22% increase.
Nygren initiated line-item vetoes that cut more than $2 million from the Legislative Branch’s budget, affecting critical services like attorneys, state lobbyists, and protective services.
In a previous memorandum that accompanied the FY2025 Continuing Resolution, Nygren committed to reinstating $2.7 million in line-item vetoes into the FY2025 Comprehensive Budget. However, he went back on his word by only reinstating $720,000 of the vetoed funds.
“The people granted the Navajo Nation President line-item veto authority to improve fiscal responsibility and maintain a balance of power,” Curley said. “But President Nygren continues to wield this power without rationale at the expense of crucial programs and initiatives that serve the Navajo people, and attorneys that serve Legislative Branch programs. Although, the Legislative Branch is challenged with the line-item vetoes it will not hinder us to push the Nation’s priorities. It is important to stay focused on the issues at hand that impact our Nation, such as our water rights, ARPA projects, federal priorities and service delivery.”
Throughout the budget process, the 25th Navajo Nation Council also ensured that the Nation would avoid employee layoffs, prioritizing job stability while maintaining essential services and financial responsibility.
Budget and “Finance Committee Chair Shaandiin Parrish emphasized that the BFC prioritized addressing unmet needs identified during the public hearings for the FY2025 Comprehensive Budget. This included carefully evaluating the financial impacts of any increases on departments’ or divisions’ budgets that could affect direct services to the Navajo people. These hearings also marked the first opportunity in 30 years for the public to have a direct influence on the budgeting process.
“Budgeting isn’t about exerting power; it’s about accountability, transparency, and ensuring resources are allocated wisely and effectively,” Curley said. “The Navajo Nation Council takes pride in the enactment of a Comprehensive Budget, guaranteeing the continued delivery of essential daily services. Our priority is to maintain financial stability for this fiscal year while also planning for Fiscal Year 2026 to ensure continued progress and service to our people.”
