Posted in Tribal Issues on Dec 14th, 2008
…so he’s going to sign a bill authorizing the collection of taxes on cigarettes sold by the Seneca Nation.
Gov. David Paterson, staring at a budget deficit approaching $15 billion, will sign a measure to have the state begin collecting taxes on the sale of cigarettes by Indian retailers, state officials and industry sources say.
The move comes after recent unsuccessful talks between Paterson and officials from the Seneca Nation, whose retailers dominate the nation’s tax-free cigarette business. Industry officials say the signing could come as early as Monday.
Assemblyman William Magee, a Madison County Democrat, said he has been told the governor will sign the bill Monday in Utica.
“I had hoped he’d be coming to Madison County, but we’re getting the bill signed,” said Magee, the Assembly sponsor of the legislation.
Paterson aides declined to confirm or deny that he will sign the bill, which was given final passage in the Legislature in August but was not sent to him for his consideration to give him time to work out deals with the various Indian tribes. The bill late last week was sent to him, beginning a 10-day clock in which he has to sign or veto it.
So much for respecting the sovereignty of the Senecas.
Read Full Post »
Posted in Tribal Issues on Aug 26th, 2008
The battle continues...
U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny today refused to order the Seneca Indians to immediately shut down their temporary Buffalo casino.
The judge instead directed a federal agency — the National Indian Gaming Commission — to “carry out their congressionally mandated obligations” and decide whether the casino should be shut down.
Skretny said it was clear that the federal agency should review his July 8 ruling that gambling is illegal on the nine-acre site and issue the necessary notices of violation.
Skretny also denied a request from casino supporters to allow the federal commission to decide the ultimate question of whether casino gambling in Buffalo is legal.
Read Full Post »
Posted in Tribal Issues on Aug 13th, 2008
This story puzzles me:
The Seneca Nation of Indians Volunteer Fire Department will receive $27,654 in federal homeland security funding for fire prevention and safety, Rep. Brian Higgins, D-Buffalo, announced.
“These resources play an important role in safeguarding the Seneca Nation residents, businesses and the dedicated first responders who work to protect and serve the Salamanca area,” Higgins said.
“This grant clearly demonstrates how our two nations can work together,” said Seneca President Maurice A. John Sr. administered by the Department of Homeland Security in cooperation with the US Fire Administration.
“This grant clearly demonstrates how our two nations can work together, and continue to,” said President John. “This money will have a much-needed good effect on our Nation’s firefighting capabilities and the crucial protection of our people and businesses.”
So let me get this straight… The Seneca Nation, which is sovereign, doesn’t pay taxes to the United States, gets plenty of money from Americans via gaming, gasoline and tobacco sales… and yet they’re getting grants paid for by American taxpayers?
Read Full Post »
Posted in Buffalo, Tribal Issues on Jul 9th, 2008
Good for them.
The president of the Seneca Nation of Indians today said the tribe will continue running the temporary casino in Buffalo and building a permanent replacement until the matter is finally resolved in the courts.
Maurice L. John Sr., meeting with reporters at the Seneca Niagara Casino, said the decision Tuesday by a federal judge ending the Senecas’ legal authority to gamble in Buffalo is procedural only and does not prevent operations.
Also today, Erie County Executive Chris Collins said he hopes that Seneca Gaming Corp. presses ahead and appeals the federal court decision that bars gambling on its nine acres in downtown Buffalo.
“I can only hope for the sake of this community that this project does move forward and creates the jobs that we know are intended to be created, and that we in fact have a $330-plus million investment,” he said.
Collins is a casino proponent who refuses to enter the debate over whether gambling victimizes society; Western New York already has casinos and opportunities to gamble, he says, “so it’s already here.”
It’s already here, and we should have the right to visit casinos if we choose.
Read Full Post »
Posted in Links of the Day on Jul 8th, 2008
