Paterson Wants More Taxes…
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.
