Could the third time be a charm for higher cigarette taxes in Missouri? Voters didn't like the idea in 2002 or 2006 but that could change now that the destinations for the funds are clearer. The money from the tax increase would go to schools and smoking cessation programs, but those against the proposition say they don't want Missouri to lose its status as the lowest tobacco tax state in the nation. The increase is in the hands of the voters. St. Louis resident Bob Moellman doesn't smoke but used to chew tobacco.
He's all for anything that will deter people from starting the habit. "I think it's gross watching some young kid do it, smoking, especially girls," explains Moellman. "To see a pretty young girl sucking on a cancer stick, it sucks." Proposition B would increase the tobacco tax from 17 cents a pack to 90 cents a pack. Most of that money would help with education and programs to help people stop smoking. But opponents of the proposition feel they are being picked on.
"When we voted in the lottery, that's where the money was going. When they voted in the gambling boats, that's where the money was going," says Smoker's Outlet President Bob Ward. "There should be so much money for education that everything in school should be free." There are 15 Smoker's Outlet stores across the state of Missouri. Ward says his stores would still have a tax advantage over Illinois, but the rate would be similar to other neighboring states, making his shop less competitive with prices.
Ward says he also believes the state would lose out on more than $60 million in sales tax revenue a year if the tax goes through. "They are not only buying cigarettes, they are also buying gas, their lunch, grocery shopping, whatever it is they are doing in Missouri," says Ward. "It's a plus for Missouri to keep those people coming in the state." The state auditor's office predicts the tobacco tax increase will generate between $283 and $423 million every year.
Комментариев нет:
Отправить комментарий