Also: Buerkle statement called false; grading legislators.
Buffalo, NY -- The Seneca Nation of Indians has voted to withhold a casino payment to New York, claiming the state has violated terms of a 2001 gambling agreement.
Leaders of the western New York tribe say they will withhold so-called exclusivity payments in the future because state-approved gambling operations in the area threaten existing Seneca casinos. They referred to the Hamburg Casino at the Fairgrounds, Batavia Downs Casino and Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack as examples of state breaches of the compact.
The tribe also cited a judge’s ruling Monday to lift injunctions which had prevented the state from taxing Indian cigarette sales. The state plans to begin tax collections Wednesday.
The Seneca Gaming Corporation has paid the state $707.2 million in slot fees.
» Read more: Seneca leaders vote to withhold payments to state [The Buffalo News]
In other state news:
» Unshackle Upstate gives low scores to Assembly members Magnarelli, Stirpe and Lifton [The Post-Standard]
» No discipline for Paterson's aides [Albany Times Union]
» PolitiFact says Ann Marie Buerkle statement is false [PolitiFact]