Court Lifts Order Delaying Cigarette Tax Collection

Utica, NY (WIBX) - A temporary court order that was blocking New York from collecting cigarette taxes on Native American land has been lifted.

A State Supreme Court Justice lifted the order Wednesday, allowing New York to move forward with tax collection.

John Becker, Chairman of the Madison County Board of Supervisors, says he's pleased by the ruling and commends Governor Cuomo for his consistent stance on the issue.

Becker says in 2009 alone, the amount of sales and excise tax NOT collected from the Oneida Nation totaled 51 million dollars. He says that money is needed to pay for services the Oneidas utilize, like plowing and road maintenance, and police and fire protection.

A representative of the Seneca Tribe says they plan to appeal.

The Oneida Nation says it will continue to sell their manufactured brands of cigarettes at a reduced cost. And, will sell of their existing inventory of other brands until they are gone.