Arizona Tribes Contribute More Than $27 Million to State Benefits Fund
Arizona Tribes Contribute More Than $27 Million to State Benefits Fund
Arizona is home to 22 federally recognized tribes, each with its own unique culture and traditions. These tribes have a long and rich history in the state, dating back thousands of years. Today, they continue to play an important role in Arizona’s economy and society, contributing more than $27 million to the state’s benefits fund.
The benefits fund is a state-run program that provides financial assistance to low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities. It is funded through a combination of state and federal dollars, as well as contributions from Arizona’s tribes.
The contributions from the tribes are known as “tribal revenue sharing” payments. Under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA), tribes that operate casinos are required to share a portion of their gaming revenues with the state. In Arizona, this revenue sharing agreement has been in place since 2002.
In 2020, Arizona’s tribes contributed a total of $27.1 million to the benefits fund. This was an increase from the previous year, when they contributed $26.8 million. The funds are distributed to various programs and services, including healthcare, education, and housing assistance.
The contributions from the tribes have had a significant impact on the state’s economy and society. According to a report by the Arizona Indian Gaming Association, tribal gaming operations in the state generated $2.2 billion in economic activity in 2019. This includes direct spending by the casinos, as well as indirect spending by employees and suppliers.
In addition to their contributions to the benefits fund, Arizona’s tribes also support a wide range of community programs and initiatives. Many tribes operate their own healthcare clinics, schools, and social services programs. They also provide funding for cultural preservation and language revitalization efforts.
Despite their contributions to the state, Arizona’s tribes face a number of challenges. Many tribal communities struggle with poverty, unemployment, and inadequate infrastructure. They also face ongoing threats to their sovereignty and land rights.
In recent years, there have been efforts to strengthen the relationship between Arizona’s tribes and the state government. In 2019, Governor Doug Ducey signed an executive order establishing a Tribal Advisory Council, which is tasked with promoting communication and collaboration between the state and tribal governments.
Overall, Arizona’s tribes play an important role in the state’s economy and society. Their contributions to the benefits fund help to support some of the most vulnerable members of the community, while their gaming operations generate significant economic activity. As the state continues to grow and evolve, it is important to recognize and honor the contributions of Arizona’s tribes.