Shelly urges Brewer to strengthen relations

<i>Photo by Sherrick Roanhorse</i><br>
Navajo Nation Vice President Ben Shelly stands with Arizona Governor Jan Brewer. Shelly emphasized the need for Gov. Brewer to work with the Navajo Nation on issues of education, health and public works projects.

<i>Photo by Sherrick Roanhorse</i><br> Navajo Nation Vice President Ben Shelly stands with Arizona Governor Jan Brewer. Shelly emphasized the need for Gov. Brewer to work with the Navajo Nation on issues of education, health and public works projects.

PHOENIX, Ariz. - Navajo Nation Vice President Ben Shelly emphasized stronger state-tribal partnerships and collaboration during a meeting with Arizona Governor Jan Brewer last week.

"Government-to-government relationships are important to the Navajo Nation and I know as partners, the Navajo Nation and the state of Arizona can create jobs and businesses to move beyond these hard economic times," Vice President Shelly said. "We can accomplish many things and work together by maintaining open dialogue and communicating effectively through meaningful consultation efforts."

Since taking office as Arizona's new governor, Gov. Brewer and the state legislature were forced to streamline state spending to meet Arizona's $1.6 billion deficit this year.

"My job as governor is to create jobs and turn around the economy," Governor Brewer said in her meeting with Vice President Shelly. "I look to tribes to partner with me so that we can work together and turn this economy around."

In his remarks, Vice President Shelly asked the governor to keep the needs of students and elders in mind when reviewing state spending.

"We must keep our young ones and older ones in mind when we look at state funding," he said. "Education is the key to all success and we must ensure that our children continue to attain a quality education."

Gov. Brewer said her first priority is to stabilize state government spending and "turn around the economy."

This year, Gov. Brewer said tribes will be eligible for federal stimulus funds that will flow through the state. The funding "will bridge some budget gaps," she said.

Vice President Shelly emphasized public works projects and asked the governor to partner with the Navajo Nation on roads, health, and renewable energy projects.

"Much of our work depends on open communication and I know through collaborative efforts, we can work through tough economic times," he said.

Issue papers and Navajo Nation Council Intergovernmental Relations resolutions seeking state-tribal collaboration and full state funding for higher education, elders, and people with disabilities were provided to the governor.

Donate to nhonews.com Report a Typo Contact
Most Read