Archive: Opinions

The State Supreme Court’s decision to lift the temporary injunction on collecting sales taxes on cigarettes sold by Indians to non-Indians  is a significant victory for the citizens of Cayuga and Seneca Counties. This decision is proof positive that the efforts I undertook years ago to change our laws to require the collection of taxes were on target, totally legal and absolutely appropriate.

In 2008, legislation that I authored and introduced was adopted in both the New York State Senate and Assembly and signed into law by then Governor David Paterson.  This legislation was the foundation and strength of  last month’s U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals ruling in favor of New York collecting the taxes. I am elated that this 12th hour attempt to obstruct the Court’s ruling has been lifted.  It is my hope that the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance will begin immediate collection of the taxes as Governor Cuomo had instructed before the injunction was issued.

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