Law | National

Critics set for discussion on agreement with Oneida Nation

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Critics are objecting to an agreement between the Oneida Nation and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D).

The agreement includes provisions to resolve land-into-trust, taxation, law enforcement and other issues. Critics in Oneida County are holding a discussion tonight to discuss their concerns.

"We're going to tell the story objectively in regards to this agreement and look at some finer points that have been glossed over," Sherrill City Commissioner Mike Hennessy told The Syracuse Post-Standard.

Sherrill was behind the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Sherrill v. Oneida Nation. The justices ruled that the tribe cannot assert sovereignty on its properties without going through the land-into-trust process.

The decision spawned a whole new set of litigation over the tribe's land-into-trust application and the non-payment of property taxes. The agreement with Cuomo, which requires approval by the Oneida County Board of Legislators, would settle those issues.

Get the Story:
Critics of Oneida nation-New York settlement hold panel discussion tonight in Sherrill (The Syracuse Post-Standard 5/23)

Some Opinions:
John N. Schneider: Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s deal with Oneida Indian Nation bad for local taxpayers (The Oneida Dispatch 5/23)
Chris Kendall: Oneida Indian Nation deal has 'serious flaws' (The Oneida Dispatch 5/23)

Sherrill v. Oneida Nation Supreme Court Decision:
Syllabus | Opinion [Ginsburg] | Concurrence [Souter] | Dissent [Stevens]