By Chris Jamele
Buffalo, NY – An emergency appropriation measure sent to the State legislature by Governor Paterson would strike at tobacco users.
The Buffalo News reports that the measure would raise the tax to four dollars and thirty-five cents per pack of cigarettes, beginning July first. Other tobacco products would be affected as well.
Tax collection on Indian nation tobacco sales to non-Indians would be targeted to begin by September first, though the Seneca's call the move an attack on their nation.
The measure is expected to raise better than four hundred million dollars in revenue. The vote will come on Monday.