Judge Issues Small Victory for Native Americans

Judge issues 14-day restraining order blocking tobacco tax collection

BUFFALO – Federal Judge Richard Arcara today issued a temporary restraining order that will block a State Supreme Court ruling from yesterday that lifted a 4-year ban preventing the state of New York from collecting sales tax on tobacco sold on Native American Reservations.

The restraining order is effective for 14 days.

After the Supreme Court ruling yesterday the Seneca Tribal Council voted to stop paying the state casino royalties, which could total nearly $700 million. The state expects tobacco sales tax revenue to produce $200 million.

The saga continues.