Hale sponsors legislation to get money back into Native American communities

Rep. Albert Hale, D-St. Michaels (District 7), is working to get Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) money back into the Native American lands where it was collected.

"American Indian communities should have access to the TPT money collected on Native American lands," Hale said.

Hale said currently TPT money, or sales tax, is collected from businesses not owned by enrolled members operating on Native American lands. The tax money is distributed to the state, counties and municipalities incorporated under state law. Indian nations are not included in this distribution formula. The bill would correct this problem in the distribution formula.

Hale introduced HB 2522. This bill would put 50 percent of TPT money collected from businesses on Native American lands directly back into the communities where it was collected. The bill would allow the use of the Indian nations' share of TPT money as collateral for bonds to finance telecommunications, infrastructure development, community projects and roads.

"The TPT funds collected from non-Indian owned businesses operating on Native American lands will help support the growth of our communities," Hale said. "When that money starts coming directly to Native American communities, people in those communities will be empowered to prioritize the projects and the development that are necessary."

Hale is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation. He was born in Ganado and raised in Klagetoh, Ariz. He is Ashiihi (Salt), born for Todichiini (Bitter Water). His maternal grandparents are Hanaghani (Walk About clan). His paternal grandparents are Kiyanii (Tall House clan). He is the former President of the Navajo Nation.

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