Leadership Presents FY2026 Budget to members

August 22, 2025

Jeston Morris

Community Newsperson

LAVEEN – Komatke District 6. The Office of the Treasurer hosted the Fiscal Year 2026 budget presentation at the Komatke Learning Center on Aug. 13. Community Treasurer Gary Mix presented the fiscal budget to more than 40 attendees.

Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis, Lt. Gov. Regina Antone, and their Executive staff were in attendance. Also present were Community Manager Suzanne Jones, along with Assistant Community Managers Michael Preston and Jeffrey Martin.

The presentation lasted an hour and a half, focusing primarily on budget earmarks and departmental allocations. Community members asked questions and shared comments throughout the session.

At the beginning of the presentation, Gov. Lewis introduced senior staff who oversee all Gila River Indian Community departments. He also recognized Community Council Representative Jeanette Blasingim from District 7.

“I want to thank you for your patience, consideration and understanding. We are presenting this information to you. It includes the capital project and operating budgets,” said Gov. Lewis.

“I’ll present to you the highlights of the operating and capital budgets. The budget packet is 1,600 pages. If you have any questions or comments, please raise your hand. We’ll have the Q&A at the end,” said Treasurer Mix.

“I’d like to thank all of you for attending. The presentation includes a lot of numbers, but we do hear you—and we have been hearing you. I’ve met with some of you, and you’ve talked to me,” said Lt. Gov. Antone.

Community members posed several questions and comments during the presentation:

• One member asked whether Community Council representatives would be eligible for Christmas gifts.

• Another asked if Youth Council members would also be eligible for Christmas gifts.

• A member expressed concern about inflation, asking whether the proposed budget would be sufficient given rising costs expected later in the year.

• Another asked about TED scholarships and potential cuts to Pell Grants, wondering if members should seek additional scholarships and grants to cover higher education tuition.

• A member raised concerns about potential cuts to Medicare and Medicaid in Arizona and Gila River, noting that Gov. Katie Hobbs has been fair with tribes. They asked what the impact might be if she is not reelected.