Senator Golden Statement on Court Ruling Regarding Cigarette Tax Collection on New York’s Indian Reservations

Albany - State Senator Martin J. Golden (R-C-I, Brooklyn) today issued the following statement in response to the United States Court of Appeals Second Circuit’s unanimous decision maintaining New York State’s authority to collect taxes on cigarettes sold on Indian reservations for all non-Indian Tribe members:

“I applaud the unanimous decision of the 2nd Circuit of the U.S. Court of Appeals that upholds New York’s ability to collect taxes on cigarettes sold on Indian reservations throughout the Empire State.

This decision is most welcomed news amidst discussions of budget cuts, including the possible lay offs of thousands of New York City teachers, as we now stand to collect hundreds of millions of dollars in taxes.

For the significant financial benefit for New York State’s budget, and thus the City of New York, it is time that the Oneidas, Senecas, Unkechauge Nation and the Mohawks, adhere to the regulations of the law passed in 2010. New York State not only needs this money, but we are entitled to it, so let’s stop the delays and start collecting taxes on cigarettes sold on these reservations.”