Upstate tribe keeps pressure on over tax proposal

November 11, 2008 06:22 am

— BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — A western New York Indian nation continues to make clear its opposition to a proposal to tax cigarettes now sold tax-free by tribes.
The Seneca Nation has begun a two-week print and broadcast advertising campaign meant to convince Gov. David Paterson to veto a bill passed by the Legislature in August.
The Senecas say their $1 billion economy is one of the few bright spots upstate and should be left alone.
The bill would prohibit manufacturers from selling tobacco products without a state tax stamp to any wholesaler that doesn't certify the cigarettes won't be resold tax-free.
Paterson spokesmen have said the governor will review the bill and solicit input before making any decisions.