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Judge issues partial ruling on cigarette tax

By The Associated Press

YAKIMA, Wash. (AP) – A federal judge has rejected several arguments made by the Yakama Nation as the tribe seeks to block Washington state from taxing cigarette sales at tribal smoke shops.

The ruling Jan. 4 by U.S. District Judge Robert H. Whaley left open two issues still to be resolved in a lawsuit brought by the Yakama tribe and some tribal business owners. The two sides are expected to update the court on their positions by Feb. 4.

Washington state terminated a cigarette tax agreement with the tribe in July 2008, claiming widespread sales of untaxed cigarettes to non-tribal members. The Yakamas argue that they should not be required to have a cigarette tax agreement with the state.

Washington state currently has 22 cigarette tax compacts with Indian tribes.

Copyright 2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Monday, Jan 11 at 2:11 PM quinaultbob wrote ...

Many local AP writers refuse to post the author of biased material... If you note there is no quote from the YIN just a press release for the US Attorney who will not uphold tribal treaty rights of inter state commerce.. So what has changed in 40 years of Indian Cigerette sales?

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