SRPMIC Elections Information

Purpose of the Referendum Election

The Community Council is calling a referendum election to ask Community members to vote on whether gaming per capita payments should change from taxable income to tax-free general welfare payments.

If approved, the same portion of gaming revenues would continue to be shared with enrolled Community members, but the payments would no longer be subject to federal income tax.

What Are General Welfare Payments

General welfare payments are tax-free payments that tribes are allowed to provide to their members under federal law. These payments are intended to support the overall well-being of Community members and their families to support costs associated with their basic needs and costs to survive.

General welfare payments help support:

• Cultural preservation and community well-being
• Basic needs such as food, housing, and utilities
• Public health and wellness

How This Change Affects Community Members

Currently, gaming per capita payments are considered taxable income, and the Community government is required to issue a Form 1099 for these payments and if the Community member pays taxes, they are taxed on these gaming per capita payments.

• If the referendum passes, general welfare payments would not be considered “income” by the Internal Revenue Services (IRS) and therefore the general welfare payments would not be taxed.  Community members would have more economic resources to support their household.

• If the referendum does not pass, gaming per capita payments will continue to be taxed.