California Water Plan
California Energy Plan
Indian Revenue Sharing Trust Fund
The California Association of Tribal Governments (CATG) has identified the “Indian Revenue Sharing Trust Fund” as the top priority issue for 2009.
Currently the state distributes some of the RSTF revenues to each of the 71 federally recognized Indian tribes in California that have no casino or operate only a small casino (less than 350 slot machines). These funds are administered by the California Gambling Control Commission.
Under the 1999 compacts, tribes agreed to make annual payments to two state government funds: the Revenue Sharing Trust Fund (RSTF), and the Special Distribution Fund (SDF). As new Compacts have been entered into, the viability of the Special Distribution Fund has been questioned as a new formula has been put into place.
This new formula has changed the method of calculating contributions to the trust fund and require tribes to begin contributing to the General Fund instead of the Special Distribution Fund.
CATG proposes a legislative fix. A review of SB62 sponsored by Senator Flores provides insight into what CATG believes is necessary to address this problem. CATG also suggests that you review the California State Auditor’s Report dated July 2007 2006-036.
Download a History of CA revenue sharing here
Taxation
With the growth of tribal economies, taxation has become an important issue for Tribes from tax exempt bonds to pension plans and at the urging of member tribes this issue will be monitored and taken up by CATG.
Public Law 280
Public Law 280 has been a topic of concern and will be addressed by the organization this year.
Health Care
Tribal governments continue to address health care needs on the reservation and continue to seek funding for established programs. This continues to be a top priority with member tribes.
Tribal Sovereignty
As always, tribal sovereignty needs to be protected. Member tribes have suggested various avenues to be taken and these will be discussed by the full membership.
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