An influential downstate senator says that the Seneca Nation waves its flag of sovereignty only when it is convenient and insists that New York State will not back down from taxing Indian cigarettes. State Sen. Carl Kruger, D-Brooklyn, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, contends that the lawsuits filed by Native American retailers have no basis in law and are needlessly adding to New York’s already troubling budget deficit. Kruger, ... Jump to full article >>

Oneida Indian Nation C.O.O. Peter Carmen says the Oneida Indian Nation will produce and sell more of their own brands of cigarettes and not pay for name brand cigarettes that carry a state sales tax. According to Carmen, the Oneida Indian Nation moved its cigarette manufacturing facility out of Western, N.Y. and to the City of Oneida, N.Y. in the former bingo hall of Territory Road. The goal is to be up and running by mid September, Carmen said ... Jump to full article >>

A Native American store on Long Island sells untaxed cigarettes, but some lawmakers are looking to force Native American-owned stores to charge taxes on cigarettes as a way to increase the state’s revenue. Senate Finance Committee Chair Carl Kruger asked the governor to begin collecting these sales taxes immediately. Sen. Carl Kruger, D-Brooklyn, hand-delivered a letter Nov. 16 to the governor asking him to rescind a “letter of forbearan ... Jump to full article >>

ALBANY — Gov. David A. Paterson has asked the U.S. Justice Department for a “threat assessment” if he were to begin trying to collect taxes on cigarette sales by Indian tribes, including the Seneca Nation. In a letter to top federal prosecutors, the governor also suggests he might need help from Washington in putting down any possible unrest by Indian tribes if the tax collection starts. The unusual request, dated September 23 ... Jump to full article >>