Poll: Vote to increase statewide cigarette tax

A majority of respondents to a recent Argus-Courier online poll said they will vote to increase the statewide cigarette tax by $2 per pack on the November ballot.|

A majority of respondents to a recent Argus-Courier online poll said they will vote to increase the statewide cigarette tax by $2 per pack on the November ballot. More than 60 percent said they are in support of the measure.

Here are some comments:

--

“Absolutely. If it discourages anyone from starting smoking or to quit, it’s well worth it.”

--

“As a reformed 30-year smoker, I say leave the dang smokers alone. They are already treated like lepers.”

--

“Cigarettes have been taxed and taxed yet we don’t see where the money is truly going. More taxes is not the answer.”

--

“I am not a smoker of anything. Raising taxes on cigarettes purchased by the addicted poor will not stop them from smoking, but it will take away more money from them that may have been spent on essential food, housing and school items. This is not a compassionate way of helping those addicted to nicotine to stop smoking.”

--

“While it would be better if smoking didn’t happen at all, further increasing the tax to this level would likely result in smuggling cigarettes from out of state. There is enough criminal activity funded by contraband goods. Don’t make it any worse.”

--

“Hopefully this additional tax will deter future smokers from starting.”

--

“Anybody who is willing to poison themselves with tobacco deserves to pay more.”

--

“No more taxes.”

--

“This is a Catch 22. Government makes millions from the sale of tobacco. Such a game.”

--

“Another tax increase? I’d be shocked, but I’m sure our officials would find a way to tax that too.”

--

UPDATED: Please read and follow our commenting policy:
  • This is a family newspaper, please use a kind and respectful tone.
  • No profanity, hate speech or personal attacks. No off-topic remarks.
  • No disinformation about current events.
  • We will remove any comments — or commenters — that do not follow this commenting policy.