New York Gov. David Paterson (D) is being pressured to take action on a tribal tobacco tax bill.

Supporters say the state is losing out on millions of dollars due to untaxed cigarettes on reservations. "Governor, do the right thing. Enforce the law, collect the tax," Richard Ricci of Upstate Citizens for Equality said at a rally, The Syracuse Post-Standard reported.

The Seneca Nation and the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe oppose the bill. They say the state has no right to interfere with reservation commerce and that the tax would destroy local economies.

The Senecas have been lobbying Paterson to veto the bill. The tribe is ramping up its campaign with a slew of television, radio and Internet ads.

Get the Story:
Rally: Tax Indian Cigarettes (The Syracuse Post-Standard 9/4)
Senecas mounting ad blitz seeking Paterson veto of tobacco tax bill (The Buffalo News 9/3)
SNI looks to sway Paterson on taxation bill (The Salamanca Press 9/3)
Tax debate: Sales on Indian land (News 10 Now 9/3)

Related Stories:
Editorial: Negotiate tribal tobacco deal in New York (9/3)
St. Regis Mohawk Tribe opposes tobacco tax bill (8/26)
Seneca Nation lobbies governor on tobacco tax bill (8/14)
Seneca Nation opposes tobacco tax bill (8/12)