1. The Navajo Nation Healthy Diné Nation Act: A Two Percent Tax on Foods of Minimal-to-No Nutritious Value, 2015-2019.
- Author
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Yazzie D, Tallis K, Curley C, Sanderson PR, Eddie R, Behrens TK, Antone-Nez R, Ashley M, Benally HJ, Begay GA, Jumbo-Rintila Ma S, and de Heer HD
- Subjects
- Health Promotion, Humans, Rural Population, Food economics, Nutritive Value, Taxes, American Indian or Alaska Native
- Abstract
Our study summarizes tax revenue and disbursements from the Navajo Nation Healthy Diné Nation Act of 2014, which included a 2% tax on foods of minimal-to-no nutritional value (junk food tax), the first in the United States and in any sovereign tribal nation. Since the tax was implemented in 2015, its gross revenue has been $7.58 million, including $1,887,323 in 2016, the first full year. Revenue decreased in absolute value by 3.2% in 2017, 1.2% in 2018, and 4.6% in 2019, a significant downward trend (P = .02). Revenue allocated for wellness projects averaged $13,171 annually for each local community, with over 99% successfully disbursed and more rural areas generating significantly less revenue. Our results provide context on expected revenue, decreases over time, and feasibility for tribal and rural communities considering similar policies.
- Published
- 2020
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