A lawmaker in Erie County, New York, who supports smoke shops on the Seneca Nation has received about $27,000 in donations from tribal members and leaders, The Buffalo News reports.

Timothy M. Kennedy (D) has introduced a statement that calls on state leaders to “abide by the treaties recognizing and protecting the sovereign rights of the Seneca Nation of Indians.” He believes tribal businesses should be able to sell tax-free cigarettes without state interference.

“I have always been a proponent of the sovereignty of the Native American nations and the honoring of treaties between Native American nations and the United States government," Kennedy told the paper.

Seneca businesses are under assault from the new Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking Act. A federal judge has put a hold on the law due to concerns about taxation and delivery of tobacco products.

Separately, tribal smoke shops face an effort from Gov. David Paterson (D) and lawmakers to force them to collect state taxes on tobacco sold to non-Indians.

Get the Story:
Kennedy amasses Seneca donations (The Buffalo News 7/21)
Paterson Mulls Tax Power Amendment (NY1 7/20)

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

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

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