The Seneca Nation is calling on New York Gov. David Paterson (D) to veto a bill that imposes state sales tax on reservations.

President Maurice A. John Sr. said the bill imposes on treaty rights. He promised litigation to prevent the state from collecting an estimated $400 million from reservation retailers.

"The state Legislature should not try to help close its budget gap by denying the right of purchase to the Seneca Nation and its licensed retailers or by jeopardizing the jobs and livelihoods of more than 1,000 Seneca and non-Seneca families involved in our retail economy," John said in a statement.

The bill passed the Senate last week and the Assembly in June. Paterson has not stated his position on the bill.

Get the Story:
Nation Seeks Tax Bill Veto (The Jamestown Post-Journal 8/12)
Seneca leader blasts tax bill (Business First of Buffalo 8/11)

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