Most Americans Support Increasing Cigarette Tax to Raise $9 Billion a Year

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Saturday, February 13, 2010

Most Americans Support Increasing Cigarette Tax to Raise $9 Billion a Year

A coalition of anti-smoking groups claims a majority of Americans want every state in the nation to raise their tax on cigarettes by $1 a pack. They cite polling data showing that 60% of respondents favor a cigarette tax boost that would bring in more than $9 billion a year for cash-strapped state governments and discourage more Americans from smoking.

The coalition, including the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association and American Lung Association, argues in its report that the tax hike would keep 2.3 million children from becoming addicted to cigarettes. It also predicts the move would prompt 1.2 million adult smokers to quit.

The survey, conducted by International Communications Research, found voters are not in favor of boosting taxes on retail sales or gasoline, making the cigarette tax jump the most politically viable option for helping alleviate government deficits, according to the coalition.

-Noel Brinkerhoff

U.S. Would Reap Billions from $1 Cigarette Tax Hike (Reuters)

Benefits from a $1 Cigarette Tax Increase (Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids)

Comments

JS2009 15 years ago

Electronic cigarettes are the way to beat the cigarette tax. They cost 75% less than tobacco cigarettes and are much healthier. No carbon monoxide, tar, smoke, ash and or harmful toxins. They literally can be used anywhere because there is no second hand smoke. Sure, the government will say these products are not safe because they don't want anyone cutting in on THEIR tax money but this isn't true. My husband smoked for 25 years and hasn't touched a tobacco cigarette once since starting these Here's where we got ours and they offer a money back guarantee: http://www.eCigBiz.com

Neil Kadem 15 years ago

Obesity is quickly catching up to smoking as a top cause of medical problems in America. So maybe we can begin taxing unhealthy foods, or maybe we can tax healthy foods in unhealthy amounts, or maybe we can just tax the obese, but I say to hell with all the taxes. This country wouldn't be in the mess that it's in if any of our leaders had enough spine to follow our constitution and protect our freedoms, rather than sell them to the highest bidder for hidden pork barrel projects. LEAVE THE SMOKERS ALONE! Last I check their freedoms were just as important as everyone else's, regardless of the vises involved.

Audrey Silk 15 years ago

I'm shocked! Shocked I tell you! That when 70% of the population doesn't smoke that they'd opt for "tax them, not me!" What a reportable epiphany! This must be a milestone in the science of polling. Founder, NYC Citizens Lobbying Against Smoker Harassment

Alvin Griffin 15 years ago

Careful what you wish for.When the smokers are gone the taxes and programs remain!So the politicians and advocacy groups move to the next target.It`s not about smoking it`s about wanting people to live a life someone else deems appropriate.I myself am about through with this mindset and ready to start fighting tooth and nail to protect the rights we so willingly discard because we don`t use them and it only affects others.The only people with no choice are the ones we demonize in the name of safety and health.Before all the anti-smoking laws we both had a choice,now I have none.would you please explain how you intend to pay for Chips when no tobacco revenues are available? Thank You

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Most Americans Support Increasing Cigarette Tax to Raise $9 Billion a Year

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