The New York State Senate has created a new Committee on State-Native American Relations.

The committee will be chaired by Sen. George D. Maziarz (R). It will address issues like taxation, land claims and economic development.

"We need a way to try to solve problems, plain and simple. We need legislators to stay educated on the issues facing Native Americans," Maziarz said in a press release. "We need to treat each other with respect and work together for the benefit of everyone living within the state’s borders. This Select Committee will have important work to do and I look forward to the progress we can make.”

Tribal leaders welcomed the new committee. Several attended the announcement at the state Capitol yesterday.

“The Seneca Nation’s leaders, and its people, are pleased with this demonstration of potential progress in our relationship with state government,” said Seneca Nation President Robert Odawi Porter. “This is just the sort of resourceful, forward-thinking leadership we’ve sought. A committee such as this one can help form the basis for settling our differences with the state

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State Senate forms panel to foster better relations with Indian tribes (The Buffalo News 5/4)