Tell Governor Paterson to do what is right!

On December 15, 2008 Governor David Paterson signed into law a bill intended to enforce collection of excise taxes on cigarettes sold at New York’s Indian reservations. Since then, these Native American reservations have sold millions of dollars worth of cigarettes, tax-free to non-natives, robbing our state of billions more in much needed taxes. No enforcement has been carried out at all and our state’s coffers are drying up while black market bootleggers are getting rich. This needs to stop and the only way we can stop this criminal activity is with your help. Please read the prepared letter below, sign your name  and help us stop this criminal enterprise and stop cutting important social services due to lack of state funds. Your message will be sent directly to Governor Paterson’s office.

Really want to help? Print and sign this letter and mail it to:

Governor David A. Paterson

State Capitol

Albany, NY 12224

The Governor MUST respond to letters sent by mail.

Contact Governor David Paterson

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7. Dear Governor Paterson, New York is being deprived of nearly 2 billion dollars every year. During today’s economic climate, which is causing severe budget cuts resulting in a loss of jobs, New York cannot sit back and watch nearly 2 billion dollars go up in smoke every year. Some cigarette wholesalers are selling enormous quantities of untaxed cigarettes to Native American reservations throughout the state of New York that ultimately become bootlegged merchandise robbing the State of nearly 2 billion dollars annually. Smokers are purchasing cheap untaxed cigarettes on the black market turning their backs on the neighborhood and local convenience stores. This booming black market has put small businesses throughout New York State at a competitive disadvantage and as a result they have endured a drastic decline in cigarette revenue. However, this issue goes beyond a competitive disadvantage to small businesses. The sale of untaxed cigarettes throughout our State has an impact on the health of New Yorkers, especially our youth, the black market creates Homeland Security consequences, and it has a disastrous affect on our State’s economy. It is unconscionable to allow the people of this great state to continue to lose almost 2 billion dollars a year due to untaxed, illegal cigarettes. New York is in need of revenue but health care and education cuts are not the answer! The People of New York need their government to first look at where revenue can be brought in before making budget cuts crippling our great State. The answer is to collect the taxes on the sale of cigarettes on Native American reservations. Governor Paterson, New York’s solution is simple; enforce the law by requiring tax stamps on all cigarettes that are sold to reservations and issue coupons for the reservation members who buy cigarettes for personal use!(required)
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11. The Information you provide is forwarded to the office of the Governor of the State of New York and kept by us to track our progress as well as to inform you of future developments on this issue. Your contact information will not be shared or used for commercial purposes.

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Really want to help? Print and sign this letter and mail it to:

Governor David A. Paterson

State Capitol

Albany, NY 12224

The Governor MUST respond to letters sent by mail.