New York Gov. David Paterson (D) says his plan to impose a tobacco tax on reservations doesn't violate treaty rights. The state requires wholesalers to supply tobacco to tribes to pay a tax up front. Tax-free cigarettes can be sold to tribal members but the limit will be determined by the state. "Can't violate any treaties because we're not going on Native American nation property. What we are doing is taxing the stamping agents here in New York State, making sure they collect the taxes before they sell the cigarettes," Paterson told WIVB-TV in response to protests about his efforts. Tribal members protested the tax during Paterson's visit to a new Yahoo data center. Get the Story:
Yahoo! opening attracts protesters (The Buffalo News 9/21)
Protesters greet Gov. at Yahoo opening (WIVB-TV 9/20) Related Stories:
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