WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – The 25th Navajo Nation Council unanimously approved Legislation No. 0050-23, which will appropriate $2 million from the Navajo Nation’s Unreserved, Undesignated Fund Balance to provide funding for summer youth employment opportunities April 18 during the Spring Council Session. The legislation was sponsored by Council Delegate Seth Damon (Bááháálí, Chichiltah, Manuelito, Tsé Lichíí’, Rock Springs, Tsayatoh) and co-sponsored by Council Delegate Casey Johnson (Cameron, Coalmine Canyon, Leupp, Tolani Lake, Tsidi To ii).

“When the funding is signed into law, chapters can begin hiring high school and college students to give them the opportunity to gain...

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed into law two important anti-discrimination bills that were championed by House Democrats March 24.

House Bill 207 extends the scope of the 1969 New Mexico Human Rights Act, clarifying that its discrimination protections apply to all state departments, agencies, institutions, political subdivisions - such as counties and cities, and public contractors. It also revises the definitions for sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, and disabilities within the Human Rights Act to be more inclusive and better protect all New Mexicans from discrimination.

“No one should be denied public services simply for being who they are," Rep. Kristina...

A bill that codifies school-based health centers into law passed Feb. 15 in the House and now heads to Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham to sign into law.

Senate Bill 397, sponsored by Sen. Nancy Rodriguez and Rep. Christine Trujillo statutorily protects school-based health centers by putting them in state statute and preventing them from being eliminated. The New Mexico Department of Health will continue to work with school districts interested in providing access to primary care and behavioral health services to children who need it.

“We are thrilled school-based health centers are on track to be codified in law,” Patrick M. Allen, DOH Cabinet Secretary, said. “Providing...

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed into law House Bill 7, the Reproductive and Gender-Affirming Health Care Act, Feb. 16. The bill prohibits public bodies, including local municipalities, from denying, restricting, or discriminating against an individual’s right to use or refuse reproductive health care or health care related to gender.

HB 7 is sponsored by Rep. Linda Serrato, Rep. Charlotte Little, Rep. Kristina Ortez, House Majority Whip Rep. Reena Szczepanski, and Rep. Janelle Anyanonu.

“New Mexicans in every corner of our state deserve protections for their bodily autonomy and right to health care,” Lujan Grisham said. “I’m grateful for the hard work of the...