Spring Break
If smoking's too expensive for you, then quit
Aaron Igdalsky
Issue date: 3/31/09 Section: Commentary
On Wednesday, April 1, the largest tobacco-tax hike in federal history will go into effect. A bill signed by President Obama early in his administration raises the federal tax per pack of cigarettes from 39 cents to $1.01. Federal taxes on cigars, chewing tobacco and other tobacco products will also increase substantially. The tax increase, which is projected to raise an additional $7 billion annually to fund the recently expanded federal children's health insurance program, is an excellent way to raise much needed funds while also providing increased incentive for smokers to quit the habit once and for all.
Unlike other federal taxes (such as income and capital gains), which punish success by taxing productivity, tobacco taxes charge people for engaging in optional habits that are harmful to themselves and their communities. According to the Centers for Disease Control, tobacco use results in more than 440,000 premature deaths annually in the United States. The CDC estimates that tobacco use costs the American economy $193 billion annually in health care costs and lost time and productivity in the workplace. Smokers, who conscientiously choose to engage in the dangerous habit, will finally foot more of the bill for their risky and destructive behavior.
Overall, the response from tobacco users regarding the federal tax increase has been surprisingly mixed. Some have said that the new taxes will provide increased incentive to quit sooner rather than later. Others have said that smokers are being unfairly targeted; they are already forced to go outside for a smoke because of laws prohibiting indoor smoking, and now they are being unjustly taxed; in fact, many smokers have begun stocking up on cigarettes before tomorrow's new tax takes effect.
One smoker here on campus told me that he is "extremely concerned" about the new tax increase. He added that he is "sick of smokers being shunned by society." The increase in federal taxes, when combined with state tobacco taxes probably going up, will just increase my financial burden during an already difficult economic period."
Unlike other federal taxes (such as income and capital gains), which punish success by taxing productivity, tobacco taxes charge people for engaging in optional habits that are harmful to themselves and their communities. According to the Centers for Disease Control, tobacco use results in more than 440,000 premature deaths annually in the United States. The CDC estimates that tobacco use costs the American economy $193 billion annually in health care costs and lost time and productivity in the workplace. Smokers, who conscientiously choose to engage in the dangerous habit, will finally foot more of the bill for their risky and destructive behavior.
Overall, the response from tobacco users regarding the federal tax increase has been surprisingly mixed. Some have said that the new taxes will provide increased incentive to quit sooner rather than later. Others have said that smokers are being unfairly targeted; they are already forced to go outside for a smoke because of laws prohibiting indoor smoking, and now they are being unjustly taxed; in fact, many smokers have begun stocking up on cigarettes before tomorrow's new tax takes effect.
One smoker here on campus told me that he is "extremely concerned" about the new tax increase. He added that he is "sick of smokers being shunned by society." The increase in federal taxes, when combined with state tobacco taxes probably going up, will just increase my financial burden during an already difficult economic period."
Viewing Comments 1 - 5 of 5
AJ
posted 3/31/09 @ 11:39 AM EST
You are a moron, and I hope you get hit in the face with a cigarette that I flick.
Carlos Santana
posted 3/31/09 @ 1:06 PM EST
Or you could just smoke more to help the state and the economy at large. We all will need to pay off our nation's debts someday. Why not start now?
Smoke up, McLovin. (Continued…)
helend22
payday loan
posted 3/31/09 @ 4:22 PM EST
I quit smoking cigarettes something like two decades ago. I a great deal believe virtually smoking nearly each day. The one and only way so I was able to quit smoking was to utterly difference my lifestyle and to totally adjust my daily routine, along through motivating for one and form a significant livlihood differing decision. (Continued…)
PM
posted 3/31/09 @ 5:06 PM EST
"self-destructive behavior"
You are clearly not qualified to even speak about this issue. Keep your moral elitism to yourself and just hold your breath when you walk by me. (Continued…)
jeb
posted 4/01/09 @ 9:46 PM EST
this is retarded, once everyone starts to quit there will be no money for the little kids health! poor kids...
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