Author: Rima Krisst

In a late day press release on Friday, the Office of the President announced that President Jonathan Nez approved both $49 million in direct hardship relief for Navajo enrollees (Legislation No. 201) and $90M for the 110 Chapters (in Legislation 197), which will be administered through Window Rock.

With only 83 days remaining until unspent Navajo Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act funds revert back to the federal government, the people are waiting to see if President Jonathan Nez will approve the $49 million in direct hardship assistance for individuals (Legislation No. 201) and $127 million for chapters (No. 197).

With any luck, the Navajo people and their 110 chapters might soon be eligible for direct financial relief from the remaining pot of $176 million in CARES Act money. That is, if President Jonathan Nez signs two bills that were passed by the Navajo Nation Council last Friday.

In a live town hall hosted by President Jonathan Nez on Monday, the country’s top infectious disease expert – Dr. Anthony Fauci – acknowledged that while the Navajo Nation was hit particularly hard by the coronavirus, its response to the outbreak has been exemplary.