Posted on 01/25/2007 11:15:15 AM PST by Diana in Wisconsin
Our stupid RATS here in Pittsburgh PA are doing the same thing - A smoking ban for all of Allegheny County except at the soon-to-be-built casinos. Many small business owners are livid over this. Rendell is spending most of his time these days kissing but to keep the Penquins here and giving handouts to a local brewery to keep them going. Meanwhile, Port Authority is cutting over 124 routes to downtown Pittsburgh as of June 1st which will bring this city to a standstill and not a peep from the Mayor or Rendell. I've lived here all my life - think its time to go.
You fail to mention the tax angle of the Gov's plan which would raise the per pack tax to $2.02. Indian 'smoke shops' are also exempt from paying state taxes on cigarettes, so in addition to having a monopoly on casinos, they would have a built in 2 buck a pack advantage over convenience stores, gas stations, etc in the sale of cigs. We get the gov't we deserve here in the Badger State, and that is why those who can, are leaving.
Jeez. Sounds like the Indians have the state government bought and paid for up there.
Good point. Hadn't thought of that kickback, too.
I don't have a dog in this hunt, but if the reservations are "sovereign nations", why are they paying taxes to the state?
ah, not a problem since I'm a girl :)
But palefaces would be required, legally, to pay applicable excise taxes on ciggies bought on the reservation.
Well never say never.
just kidding........ducking.
Do Indian tribes pay taxes?
Indian tribal businesses do pay a wide variety of taxes, including taxes on wagering, occupational taxes, and employment taxes. For federal income tax purposes, however, Indian tribes are governmental entities and, as such, are not required to pay taxes on the income generated by the Indian tribes, including income generated by commercial activities.
http://www.nigc.gov/AboutUs/FrequentlyAskedQuestions/tabid/57/Default.aspx#q_04
They don't pay FEDERAL taxes, but I believe that each state cuts deals with them on State taxes. I think our tribes in WI pay something like $24 million into the coffers, annually. And that's only going to increase as 'Doyle & Crew' allow more casinos and off-reservation gambling spots.
Someone correct me if I'm wrong. The site linked above has a ton of information.
Thanks for the ping!
'Tis why I call him Craps (WEAC/Potawatomi-For Sale).
I suppose an old fashion powwow to smoke the peace pipe is out of the question...?
Many tribes already provide these services to themselves.
Only if they report said sales, kinda like buying stuff on the internet. 99.9% of sales not reported, not taxed, not anything.
We've got at least two Republicans up here who are supporting the ban to one degree or another.
I'm about fed to the teeth with this party. And I haven't smoked in almost 14 years. Sooner or later, the friggin' Nanny State will be in my home. Jerks.
LOL! Perfect for a casino worker--or is that her Indian name. Hmmmm.
I agree. I was praising my Mayor (Fitchburg) to the High Heavens because he helped keep the smoking ban from creeping over the hill from Madistan and landing in Fitchburg.
And now? Well, NOW he's all for a state-wide ban, because that's FAIR TO EVERYONE! Aaarrrghhh!
What is it that these people FAIL to understand? It's not about smoking; it's about personal and business and property rights! Grrrrrrr! Double Jerks! ;)
Sorry - But the sovereignty of the indian nations was established via treaty with the federal government. I'm not sure if your comment was tongue-in-cheek, but the sovereignty of the nations trumnps state and local - and federal, to some extent - laws.
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