The Seneca Nation is "preparing for the worst" in its tobacco taxation battle with the state of New York.
The tribe opposes a bill Gov. David Paterson (D) signed into law last month. The goal is to force tribes to collect taxes on the sale of tobacco to non-Indians.
When the state attempted similar efforts in the past, protests by tribal members forced the closure of the New York Thruway. According to The Albany Times-Union, some Senecas have already started bonfires on the highway.
To address potential disruptions, the tribe has authorized $1 million for an emergency response team.
President Barry Snyder said tribal members should stock up on food and other necessities.
Parts of the Thruway cover tribal territory and the tribe says the state owes a fee for every car on the highway. The amount has come to about $20 million a month.
Get the Story:Senecas Prepared (The Jamestown Post-Journal 1/14)
Seneca Nation prepares for 'the worst' in tax dispute (The Albany Times-Union 1/14)
Senecas threaten to collect Thruway tolls (The Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin 1/14)
Seneca Nation targets NY Thruway in tax dispute (AP 1/14)
Seneca Nation suing to collect tolls (WIVB 1/13) Related Stories:
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