A federal judge in Buffalo has extended a temporary order blocking tax collections on cigarettes sold by two New York Indian nations. Lawyers for the St. Regis Mohawk tribe of northern New York and the Unkechaugs of Long Island argued Tuesday against the state’s plans to apply its $4.35-per-pack sales tax on cigarettes sold by tribal retailers to non-Indian customers. Judge Richard Arcara extended until Nov. 12 a temporary order blocking ... Jump to full article >>

The law and justice are on the side of Gov. David A. Paterson’s plan to start collecting state taxes on tobacco products sold by the state’s Native American nations. That doesn’t mean the governor won’t have to be very careful in the way he follows through with that pledge. Paterson said last week that he had been warned by his own State Police that “violence and death” could be the result of any effort to go against the Seneca and O ... Jump to full article >>

NEW YORK – While the New York State Police are worried about a confrontation if the state tries to block the sale of tax-free cigarettes on New York’s Indian reservations, local Seneca Nation of Indian officials say the ongoing discussion could be an opening to establish a lasting peace. The state held a hearing Tuesday called by state Sen. Craig Johnson, D-Nassau, to discuss tax collections on sales made to non-Indians on reservatio ... Jump to full article >>