New York governor won't halt tobacco shipments

The state of New York won't halt tobacco shipments to tribal retailers without first negotiating, Seneca Nation President Barry E. Snyder Sr. said.

Snyder received a letter from Gov. David Paterson (D) yesterday that said the state won't take action even if a court case goes against a tribal retailer. He read from the letter at a tobacco tax protest attended by more than 150 tribal members on the state Thruway.

Paterson has faced criticism for signing a bill to force tobacco taxes on reservations. He could revive the state's Office of Indian Affairs in a bid to smooth relations with tribes, The Albany Times-Union reported.

Get the Story:
Paterson willing to negotiate with Senecas over cigarette tax (The Buffalo News 1/25)
Indian affairs office for state? (The Albany Times-Union 1/26)

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