New York State Assembly Minority Leader

“Today’s decision by Federal Judge Arcara delaying New York from moving forward with the lawful collection of hundreds of millions in taxes on cigarettes sold on Native Americans lands to non-Native American Indians was more than just the wrong decision. It was a slap in the face to every Upstate taxpayer and business owner who, for years, have played by the rules, followed the law and waited for their state government to finally do the right thing. Delaying our state from enforcing the law and collecting the tax – whether the delay is for two weeks, two days, or two hours – constitutes justice denied for Upstate, especially given the fact that the United States Supreme Court already has authorized the collection of taxes on cigarettes sold on Native American lands to non-Native American Indians.

I strongly disagree with Judge Arcara’s decision. As I have before, I am again calling on U.S. Senators Schumer and Gillibrand to urge the Obama administration and Bureau of Indian Affairs to step in and resolve all these outstanding tax and land claim issues once and for all.

The counties of Seneca and Cayuga have suffered long enough with endless court actions, legal costs and emotional distress. Enough is enough. It is time for the federal government to protect and provide all its American citizens with equality. It begins by ensuring New York State can finally move forward in enforcing the law and collecting the tax without any further delays.”

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