FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — Navajo President Russell Begaye says he'll approve $6.3 million in emergency funding for the tribe's Head Start program.
His decision comes after a federal judge denied the tribe's request to block a funding cut from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The judge said the tribe didn't show it would suffer irreparable harm.
Begaye said Friday the tribe needs consistency in employment at Head Start centers so parents can access the program.
The Health and Human Services Department reduced the tribe's funding this year by 32 percent to $16 million because of chronic under-enrollment.
The Navajo Nation sued, alleging it was denied an opportunity to appeal the cut.
Tribal lawmakers passed a bill last month to divert money from the tribe's rainy day fund to Head Start.