Purpose

Appropriates $1.4 million in each of FY 2001-2002 and FY 2002-2003 from the state general fund to the Department of Economic Security (DES) for Hopi and Navajo senior centers.

Background

The Hopi Tribe plans to build tribal senior centers in the three Hopi Villages of Kykotsmovi, Hotevilla and First Mesa. Tribal, village and private funding sources have contributed a total of $824,000 for the senior center projects. According to the Hopi Tribe Elderly Committee, these contributions have been used for planning, design/engineering, site preparation and administration of each project.

The Navajo Nation is comprised of 110 chapters, 61 of which are located in Arizona. According to the Navajo Area Agency on Aging, 48 chapters currently have senior centers. In some chapters, the senior center is located inside of the chapter house. In other chapters, a senior center may be a separate building near the chapter house.

The Legislature approved an appropriation of $350,000 in FY 1998-1999 for construction of five senior centers, a parking lot, a hogan and a multipurpose building. During the 2000 legislative session, the Governor signed legislation appropriating $50,000 from the state general fund to DES for the Navajo Nation to repair and construct senior centers.

The strike-everything amendment appropriates $1.4 million in each of FY 2001-2002 and FY 2002-2003 from the state general fund to the Department of Economic Security (DES) for Hopi and Navajo senior centers. It allocates $400,000 in each fiscal year for Hopi tribal senior centers and $1 million in each fiscal year for centers in the Navajo Nation. Appropriated monies cannot be used for administrative costs, matching funds or contributions are required and the Navajo Nation must develop a plan for equitable use of funds to address the needs of their chapters. The appropriations are exempt from lapsing until July 1, 2004.

Provisions

1. Appropriates $1 million in each of fiscal years 2001-2002 and 2002-2003 to DES for planning, designing, developing and constructing senior centers in the Navajo Nation.

2. Appropriates $400,000 in each of fiscal years 2001-2002 and 2002-2003 to DES for planning, designing, developing and constructing senior centers for the Hopi Tribe.

3. Prohibits appropriated monies from being used for administrative costs.

4. Requires the Hopi Tribe to provide matching contributions and the Navajo Nation to provide matching funds.

5. Requires the Navajo Nation to develop a plan for equitable use of monies to address the needs of their chapters over the two fiscal years.

6. Exempts the appropriations from lapsing until July 1, 2004.

7. Provides for a general effective date.

BG/ac