tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2397141130780617925.post6243262695358649305..comments2023-06-09T09:38:26.473-06:00Comments on SmokeFree Wisconsin: Cigarette Tax Increase Passes, Other Tobacco-Related Budget UpdatesSmokeFree Wisconsinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16314217837382592060noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2397141130780617925.post-91128160405765213132009-07-17T20:09:54.180-06:002009-07-17T20:09:54.180-06:00My concern about the tax increase is that it seems...My concern about the tax increase is that it seems unfair to balance the state's budget on the backs of smokers, many of whom are lower income and whose children may be hurt by such a proposal. It would be very different if the revenues were to be allocated towards smoking-related programs, as it would be a fair tax if those who shoulder the burden of the tax also stand to benefit from it (for example, if the revenues were allocated specifically for treatment of smoking-related disease, research into better treatments and cure for these diseases, smoking cessation programs, etc.). But to just throw the revenues in the general budget and to use the cigarette tax increase as a way to balance the budget is unwise, in my opinion. Among other things, it makes the state dependent upon continued cigarette smoking. Wisconsin now NEEDS smokers to continue to smoke at high rates in order to maintain a balanced budget. This has completely taken away any incentive for Wisconsin lawmakers to take any serious action that would reduce cigarette smoking. Because such an action would threaten the state's revenues and its fiscal solvency.Michael Siegelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09937031813339167454noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2397141130780617925.post-31373187951777065802009-05-31T19:38:37.209-06:002009-05-31T19:38:37.209-06:00Quitting smoking is the MOST important decision yo...Quitting smoking is the MOST important decision you'll ever make in your life, for you and your loved ones. It is better to start Now, because the longer you stay on it, the more damage it will do to your body.No Tobaccohttp://www.tobaccobook.com/cdsguidebookspecial.htmlnoreply@blogger.com