Lawyers for Indian tribes are in federal court today to make a last-ditch effort to stop legislation taxing reservation cigarette sales to non-Indian customers.
This comes after a state judge yesterday refused to block New York State from enforcing a $4.35 per pack tax starting tomorrow.
Seneca Indian Nation officials had argued that the state circumvented procedures by adopting the regulations on an emergency basis.
The tax is expected to generate an estimated $200 million a year in revenues for the state.
Tribes argue the plan infringes on their sovereignty and could damage their economies.
