The Seneca Nation filed a lawsuit in federal court to block the state of New York from imposing its tobacco tax on the reservation.

The tribe is challenging a new state law and new state regulations that would require smoke shops on the reservation to collect taxes on goods sold to non-Indians. The changes are due to go into effect on September 1.

We are asking the governor and attorney general to stand down and allow the court to handle this. We are trying to avoid needless tension and chaos that is likely to ensue if the state attempts to start collections on Sept. 1," President Barry E. Snyder Sr. said in a letter.

Snyder said he wants to hear from the state by Thursday about the issue.

Get the Story:
Senecas taking Paterson to federal court (The Albany Times Union 8/17)
Seneca Indian Nation calls for Mayor Bloomberg to resign over 'racially insensitive' remarks (The New York Daily News 8/18)

Relevant Documents:
ATF Letter on Tribal Consultation (May 19, 2010)

Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking Act:
H.R.1676 | S.1147

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State to return tobacco products and truck to Seneca retailer (8/12)
Tribal retailers see business boost after New York tobacco hike (8/11)
Seneca Nation business owner blasts state seizure of tobacco (8/10)
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