Oneida Nation Pumps $559 Million Into Economy

Against a grim state and nationwide backdrop in 2008, the Oneida Indian Nation did its part to prop up the economy, spending more than $559 million for payroll and vendor expenses.

The Nation’s 4,777 employees earned $126.2 million in wages during fiscal 2008. That figure includes more than $4 million in annual bonuses for both full- and part-time employees.

The Nation also contributed $4.6 million to its employees’ 401(k) plan and paid nearly $22 million in medical and dental claims for employees during the year.

Nation employees, meanwhile, paid more than $20 million in federal income and Social Security/Medicare taxes, and more than $4 million in New York State income taxes. The Nation contributed nearly $9 million in Social Security taxes for its employees.

Spending with outside vendors, including for capital improvements and construction, totaled more than $433 million in fiscal 2008. Of that total, nearly $250 million was spent with businesses in New York State. The Nation spent more than $118 million with Oneida County vendors; $22.5 million with Onondaga County vendors; and $9.2 million with Madison County vendors.

Since Turning Stone Resort and Casino opened in 1993, the Nation has infused more than $4.7 billion into the economy through its direct spending on wages, outside vendors, and capital improvements and construction.

Revenues from Turning Stone and the Nation’s other business enterprises support programs for Oneida Members, including educational and housing programs, health services, and programs and services for Oneida children and elders.