Minority Leader Pushes for Tax Collection on Reservations ALBANY (wned) - The law is on the books, but New York State is still not collecting taxes on cigarettes sold by Indian retailers.

Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb says he and members of the New York Association of Convenience Stores and members of the National Federation of Independent Businesses are trying to turn up the noise over collecting cigarette taxes.

Kolb, a Republican from Canadaigua, says small stores near reservations are feeling the impact of tax-free sales.

"It's really an unlevel playing field for local businesses," said Kolb.

"They (Native Americans) are entitled to live tax-free, not consumers who come onto their reservations to purchase product.

Seneca Nation President Barry Snyder says attacking tax-free commerce is short-sighted because the Senecas and their employees support the state economy. And Snyder says the Nation's rights are protected by treaties.

Kolb says not enforcing the law is costing the state a billion dollars in lost revenue.

Meanwhile, the Seneca Nation continues fighting the PACT Act which takes effect June 29th. It will stop the Postal Service from shipping cigarettes.

Tribal leaders testified in Washington yesterday that the federal government and tobacco industry are trying to destroy the Seneca economy.


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