After successfully pushing a new dime-a-drink alcohol tax, health care advocates are advocating for a new $1 levy on tobacco.
That would bring the total to $3 for a pack of cigarettes, among the highest in the nation. A coalition led by the Maryland Citizens Health Initiative says the tax increase would further deter smoking.
"To demonstrate how effective tobacco taxes are, smoking rates have declined by 32.6 percent between 1998 and 2009, saving 70,000 people from preventable tobacco-related death," Vincent DeMarco, the group's president, said during a news conference Tuesday announcing the campaign.
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4 comments:
Can't you just see lawmakers in VA and DE salivating over the prospect of increased tax revenue in their states thanks to MD legislative stupidity.
Its all about control, never forget that.
Why can't people leave me along to enjoy a cigarette in my own house? I have no doubt some leftist already has a plan to monitor your alcohol comsumption all in the name to "prevent death" as well.
Enough with the nanny state!
They don't get it.
Deter smoking..less income,less need for the medical field which means less people working in the area which means more empty McMansions and less property tax.
Smokers are well aware of the dangers of smoking. It is a personal choice and should remain so.
As a smoker, I can't understand why these people think the tax deters smoking.
NO IT DOESN'T!
If you're going to tax it, then at least be honest about it!
Oh, that's right, you can't be honest about it because then all the non-smokers won't fall for your BS anymore!
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