Cigarette tax

[Pupart]

If you are in favor of raising the tax on cigarettes to help children in need, please
visit this website and send a message to Congress.
Not only could it help these children, but higher prices may be the motivation
some need to quit <and save money!>
and the motivation for some to never to take up this deadly habit.

Thank you.
Please pass this link on.

Bonnie


COVERKIDSNOW.ORG

[mwgr5]

Thanks for the link. It is a good idea.

[RetireEarly]

While I do not oppose the S-CHIP program, I strongly oppose the proposed tax increases as currently written. Some of them are grossly disproportionate and will probably shut down many small, family owned businesses if passed.

The proposed legislation will increase taxes on cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and snuff 156%. It will increase the tax on roll-your-own tobacco ~670%. However, it will increase taxes on large cigars potentially OVER 20,000%, making it the largest tax increase in history. Why the cigars proposed tax increase is so much more than everything else, I have no idea.

The biggest problem with the bill is the floor tax. Any stock any businesses have at Jan 1, 2008 will have to be paid as a lump sum tax by April 1, 2008. Unlike cigarette companies, which are mostly large corporate conglomerates, the cigar industry is dominated by a large number of small, old, family owned businesses. Many of these businesses will NOT be able to afford such a lump sum payment, and will be forced to close their doors.

Currently, there are large amounts of cigars imported from out fo the country tax-free (illegally, of course). The grossly inequal tax and the closing of many small local businesses will only encourage an increase in these activities.

If the cigar tax increase was proportional to the rest of the tobacco increase (156% increase), I would support this bill. If that was the case, although I would still be opposed to the floor tax, almost all businesses would be able to afford it without severe financial hardship and I wouldn't be so strongly opposed to the legislation. The bill does not even account for all the money the program requires.

Please do not get caught up in the "save the children" BS the elected leaders cry about to win support and focus on the underlying proposals. I'm sure most Congressmen do not even realize the impact this bill will have on them. This program will continue even if this bill is passed as written, so please do not allow them to sacrifice a number of small, hard working businesses. I urge you to write your Congressional representatives and inform them of the devestating impact this bill could have on many hardworking, honest people.