Governor David Paterson has scheduled an emergency economic session in Albany for Aug. 19. State legislators are being called back to begin a lengthy discussion on how to cut spending and how to increase revenue. We already have a ready solution at hand.

Our governor needs to enforce the law already in place to collect the sales tax from Indian tribal enterprises. New York state would then be able to collect an additional $1.1 billion in revenue. This action would help lessen the $6.4 billion 2009-2010 budget deficit gap.

Imagine - enforce the law, and the state budget deficit drops by close to 20 percent.

Governor Paterson needs to understand he should not “cry wolf” when he actually holds the purse strings for our State Budget. The state legislators of counties that are being affected by the loss of sales tax revenue should not move a “financial inch” in the upcoming deficient reduction discussions until the governor takes action to enforce the collection of sales tax from Indian tribes in Cayuga, Seneca, Oneida and Madison counties.

The collection of sales tax from Indian tribal enterprises is an issue that needs the attention and support of all New York residents. This will affect all of you!

It's time for action, Gov. Paterson. You have the law on your side.

Brad Jones

Seneca Falls