Cigarettes: Higher Tax

[Jacob]

Should there be a higher tax on cigarettes? Cigarettes generate millions and millions of dollars a year and there is no denying that they cause deaths every single year as well. Should cigarette companies be taxed MORE than other companies or is it unfair to these companies for them to be taxed more just because they are providing a different product? More taxes or no for cigarette companies?

[Ryan]

While there is no denying they cause deaths, so do many other things. Alcohol, Firearms, and hell, even Stairs. But I don't think we should tax alcohol because it kills people. Cigarette taxes should be the same as all the other taxes.

[koishii]

From what I remember and know, alcohol is taxed a lot. I don't see why we shouldn't tax Cigarettes. After all, states with a sales tax generally do tax some thing more then others. It's like a pleasure tax on junk foods, sodas and beer. So why not, right?

[debateman]

Taxing cigarettes is fine as long as the taxes for cigarettes are going to treat the effects of smoking.

[preserva]

Jacob Wrote:Should there be a higher tax on cigarettes? Cigarettes generate millions and millions of dollars a year and there is no denying that they cause deaths every single year as well. Should cigarette companies be taxed MORE than other companies or is it unfair to these companies for them to be taxed more just because they are providing a different product? More taxes or no for cigarette companies?

The argument that raising taxes increases revenue is a specious one.
My state raised taxes a dollar a pack last year...they budgeted for the revenue ahead of time..(for roads and other things which have nothing to do with HC or related issues), and guess what?
Revenue DROPPED so now they have to raise taxes in other areas such as property taxes to make up for the shortfall.

BTW, what business is it of the Govt's or yours for that matter, how much a private company makes?
Those millions are already taxed.
You punish business and the less profit they will have to be taxes on.
Those who seek to do this are not familiar with the American system.

[theAdviserMe]

I think we should tax cigarettes more primarily to discourage more and more consumption. Since revenues could fall because of the imposed tax then it is quite effective in discouraging people to smoke. However, we should not bloat the revenue windfall.

I am for no smoking.

[lady_apol]

Cigarettes are a significant source of tax revenue in many localities. This fact has historically been an impediment for health groups seeking to discourage cigarette smoking, since governments seek to maximize tax revenues.



________________
Filing back taxes

[dgun]

I don't smoke.

Tax away!

[Pookie]

I do. I wish I didn't. Like Dgun said, tax away!
Dang right.
Purrs,
Pookie

[dgun]

I hope you stop smoking Pookie.

Think of all the money you will save on taxes!