Two new Arizona legislative proposals could help some Native American tribes keep a portion of the taxes generated from sales on reservations.
One plan by Republican Bob Thorpe would take 15% of the state’s 5 cent tax rate — not counting the levy for education — and give it to the tribes. Another plan would give 50%.
The tribes would be able to use that money for economic, public safety and infrastructure needs. But, Jonathan Nez, president of the Navajo Nation, says there’s a bigger issue here.
“This is really a discussion about sovereignty really," Nez said. "Because the monies that are collected on the nation, I would say 100% should go back where it originated from. If it came from the Navajo Nation, 100% should go back.”
The Navajo and Hopi tribes have been hit financially by the closure of the Navajo Generating Station and the Kayenta mine.
