NationStates Jolt Archive

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/3825971.html

Just wondering what everyone thought of this.

A poll said that 70% of Texas voters favor the bill, but the poller was cancer.org or something, Still, with wide-spread approval in the state capitol, I guess it's only a matter of time before this is in my face.

I'm a smoker and think this is a very shitty idea, but I agree that something needs to be done about taxes and school funding in my home State. But, a full dollar hike seems a bit... tyrannical. In the above link it says that the current Texas state tax on cigarettes, which has held since 1990, was .40, while they plan to raise it to a full dollar or more. That's a 150% increase, right?

I have a feeling this is going to destroy alot of the cheaper cigarette brands. If a pack of wretched-tasting Sonoma brand smokes is going to be nearly four bucks, why not scrounge for another dollar and go for broke with quality? .

Isn't this the kind of shit we rebelled against little King George and the redcoats for? I realize we have 'representation' in this account, but it still smacks of tyranny to me. ;) Or, if not tyranny, at least dick-headedness My friends and I plan to start buying my smokes, tax-free, at a nearby reservation.

So, is this tyranny and opression of my wallet, or am I just being a whiner because my cancer is costing more?

I think they took a step in the right direction. Obviously we have to save you from yourself.

What I find so hilarious is the way the City of Houston added tax to cigarettes in order to build Minute Maid Park (formerly Enron Field) but you can't smoke in it.

if more taxes need to be collected for schools and such, it should come from the general population not from some group no one likes. the only reason cigarette (and other vice) taxes should be raised it to create a fund to pay for the health costs of smoking so that that doesnt fall disporportionately on nonsmokers.

what if everyone stopped smoking? how would you pay for schools THEN?

on the good side, when the state of new mexico raised the tax on cigarettes by 75 cents per pack, the indians starting making their own brand that sells on the rez for $1/pack. no taxes. i wouldnt know how bad they are, i dont smoke but at least you can GET cheap cigs and the indians make extra money. win/win.

if more taxes need to be collected for schools and such, it should come from the general population not from some group no one likes. the only reason cigarette (and other vice) taxes should be raised it to create a fund to pay for the health costs of smoking so that that doesnt fall disporportionately on nonsmokers.

This is pretty much the entire argument in the government against it, but noone wants to hear that. Why not a dollar tax on fast food? Everyone eats. Let them give a little of their asses back. Or... gas? HAH!

I've only been once, but on the reservation, we bought Marlboro Lights, not Injun-rolled smokes, for 2$ a pack, which was a little more than half of what I would have paid at the local convenience store.

"1$ Tax Added to ALL Cigarettes in Texas"

As a former smoker, I support this increase and increases anywhere else. Smoking is a terrible habit and most smokers need to be encouraged to quit. From experience with it, I can agree with those who say that it's one of the most addicting habits ever. Some say more addicting than heroin.

Instead of raising taxes on cigarettes, why not just make it illegal for hospitals to treat lung cancer, heart disease, etc. caused by smoking?

I support the tax though I say it should be enough to be out of reach of a kids allowance if we should somehow manage to make a profit on this I think the money should be spent on whatever the government pleases

Instead of raising taxes on cigarettes, why not just make it illegal for hospitals to treat lung cancer, heart disease, etc. caused by smoking?

but then smokers could say "well I won’t pay taxes for healthcare then" and it will mean the death of productive members of society

edit: rats double post

Instead of raising taxes on cigarettes, why not just make it illegal for hospitals to treat lung cancer, heart disease, etc. caused by smoking?

That's a bit harsh, isn't it?

If I get lung cancer and I go to the doctor and he hands me a bill for $5000 and I pay it, how is that increasing your burdon?

If I get lung cancer and I go to the doctor and he hands me a bill for $5000 and I pay it, how is that increasing your burdon?

he was probably thinking of the U.K where its free healthcare and such

he was probably thinking of the U.K where its free healthcare and such

Oh ... yeah ... you're probably right ... considering his location and all ... which I should have looked at ...

"1$ Tax Added to ALL Cigarettes in Texas"

As a former smoker, I support this increase and increases anywhere else. Smoking is a terrible habit and most smokers need to be encouraged to quit. From experience with it, I can agree with those who say that it's one of the most addicting habits ever. Some say more addicting than heroin.

As another former smoker I have to disagree with the tax for exactly the reasons you think it is good.

Nicotine is highly addictive and if you are addicted to it then having to pay an extrea $1 is not going to stop you smoking. What it will do is take that $1 away from other, more beneficial uses. It may be that you would have spent that $1 on fresh fruit and veg, but now you make do without.

People do not quit smoking because of the money. If that were the case no one would smoke. (just setting fire to the money seems stupid, but that is effectively what smoking is.) The only justification I can see for increasing tax on cigarettes etc. is if this money is directed toward health care costs, but as this is in the USA, that is not going to happen.

he was probably thinking of the U.K where its free healthcare and such

Well, that and the fact that I wasn't entirely serious.

As another former smoker I have to disagree with the tax for exactly the reasons you think it is good.

Nicotine is highly addictive and if you are addicted to it then having to pay an extrea $1 is not going to stop you smoking. What it will do is take that $1 away from other, more beneficial uses. It may be that you would have spent that $1 on fresh fruit and veg, but now you make do without.

People do not quit smoking because of the money. If that were the case no one would smoke. (just setting fire to the money seems stupid, but that is effectively what smoking is.) The only justification I can see for increasing tax on cigarettes etc. is if this money is directed toward health care costs, but as this is in the USA, that is not going to happen.
yeah

$1 (or $10 since who doesnt buy by the carton) spent on cig tax is $1 not spent up the road at the indian casino!

Some say more addicting than heroin.

My fat hairy ass it is. People who say that are totally ignorant about either heroin, smoking or both.

I am a fairly vehement anti-smoker (well it did kill my mother and granny fairly young) but am not a particular fan of ever increasing taxes on tobacco. Especially when it is being used for important things like education and health care. If people decide to give up smoking the things that are dependant on the revenue will be put at risk. It is better if revenue comes from a more dependable source. Okay, the addiction may make it more dependable than it should be but one day people may wake up and realise the stupidity of what they are doing.

What about other types of tobacco?

Canadian smokers have been paying a SinTax on ciggys for a while now. I definately approve of it, especially because of the fact that smokers cost us tonnes of money (the drawback of Universal Health Care). I guess it's different in Texas, where healthcare is not free, but it's not exactly a bad idea.