Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly vetoed CJA-04-14, amending Title 24 of the Navajo Nation Code by enacting the Healthy Dine’ Nation Act of 2013. He cited the lack of regulatory provisions as the main reason. (Photo by Rick Abasta / Navajo Nation Office of the President and Vice President)

The Navajo Nation Council will reconsider a tax on junk foods that was vetoed by President Ben Shelly.

In January, the council approved two measures to address diabetes and obesity on the reservation. One imposed an additional 2 percent tax on junk foods while the second eliminated a tax on healthy foods.

Shelly vetoed both bills in February, saying he had questions about how they would be administered. Currently, all foods are subject to a 5 percent tax.

The Council's Naabik’iyátí’ Committee has approved measures to override both vetoes. The full Council can now consider the matter.

Get the Story:
Navajo advocates make push for junk food tax (AP 4/22)
Navajo Nation Council lawmakers listen as President Ben Shelly delivers State of the Nation address (The Farmington Daily Times 4/22)

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Notah Begay: Support bigger tax on junk foods on Navajo Nation (03/24)
Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly vetoes junk food tax bill (02/13)
Navajo Nation Council approves bill to impose junk food tax (1/31)