St. Regis Mohawk Tribe: News & Resources

PRESS RELEASE

For immediate release:
Seskeha / August 1 7 , 200 6

For information contact:
Public Information Office
St. Regis Mohawk Tribe
Tel: (518) 358-2272 ext. 165
Fax: (518) 358-9675

TRIBE WELCOMES PATAKI’S VETO
Cigarette Bill vetoed by N.Y.S. Governor

Akwesasne – The St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Council expressed its appreciation today to Governor Pataki for his decision to veto Assembly Bill Number 10859-A, “An Act to amend the tax law, in relation to the sale of cigarettes.”

The bill would have prohibited manufacturers of cigarettes from selling unstamped cigarettes to reservations in the state. The goal of the bill was to generate revenue for the State by collecting sales taxes on tobacco products sold by Indian-owned businesses.

“The Governor continues to act with integrity in his relationships with Tribes in the state,” said Tribal Chief James W. Ransom. “We appreciate his willingness to work with us on a government-to-government basis,” he added.

One of the Governor’s primary concerns was that the bill failed to respect tribal sovereignty. He also expressed his longstanding policy to negotiate on a government-to-government basis with recognized tribal governments to reach mutually beneficial agreements.

“We thank the Governor for vetoing the bill and respecting our tribal sovereignty,” said Tribal Chief Barbara A. Lazore. “We completely agree that a negotiated solution is the best way to resolve state tax concerns,” she concluded.

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The St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Council is the duly elected and federally recognized government of the Mohawk people.








		PRESS RELEASE For immediate release: Seskeha / August 1 7 , 200 6 For information contact: Public Information Office St. Regis Mohawk Tribe Tel: (518) 358-2272 ext. 165 Fax: (518) 358-9675 TRIBE WELCOMES PATAKI’S VETO *Cigarette Bill vetoed by N.Y.S. Governor* Akwesasne – The St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Council expressed its appreciation today to Governor Pataki for his decision to veto Assembly Bill Number 10859-A, “An Act to amend the tax law, in relation to the sale of cigarettes.” The bill would have prohibited manufacturers of cigarettes from selling unstamped cigarettes to reservations in the state. The goal of the bill was to generate revenue for the State by collecting sales taxes on tobacco products sold by Indian-owned businesses. “The Governor continues to act with integrity in his relationships with Tribes in the state,” said Tribal Chief James W. Ransom. “We appreciate his willingness to work with us on a government-to-government basis,” he added. One of the Governor’s primary concerns was that the bill failed to respect tribal sovereignty. He also expressed his longstanding policy to negotiate on a government-to-government basis with recognized tribal governments to reach mutually beneficial agreements. “We thank the Governor for vetoing the bill and respecting our tribal sovereignty,” said Tribal Chief Barbara A. Lazore. “We completely agree that a negotiated solution is the best way to resolve state tax concerns,” she concluded. -30- The St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Council is the duly elected and federally recognized government of the Mohawk people.