Seneca Nation Response to State's Issuance of Regulations to Collect Cigarette Tax

CATTARAUGUS TERRITORY, N.Y., Feb. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- "The notice of proposed tax certification regulations released yesterday by the State Tax Department reflects another illegal attempt by the State to collect taxes on our commerce.  Instead of trying to destroy our treaty-protected economy, the State should be focused on developing opportunities with us since the Nation is a proven contributor to Western New York's regional growth," said Seneca Nation President Barry E. Snyder, Sr. "As we have before, the Seneca Nation will vigorously oppose all state efforts to interfere with our treaty rights and our economy."

"State officials should realize by now that we are not a scapegoat for Albany's budget problems.  It is no secret that Albany is struggling with a budget deficit of historic proportion. But that is a problem that comes from decades of overspending and poor resource mismanagement. It is a crisis that the State created for itself," said Snyder.

"The Seneca Nation paid its fair share when we relinquished most of our aboriginal lands to the State and its people hundreds of years ago. There is no reason the Senecas should be paying the price today, especially when the Nation has poured millions into New York State's economy and created thousands of new jobs in Western New York," added Snyder.

SOURCE Seneca Nation of Indians