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Dear Editor:
Several years ago, The Alliance for a Healthier Indiana was looking for revenue to support Indiana highway funds. Now this group is looking for “needed state funds lost due to the pandemic.”
They say raising the smoking tax will “discourage unhealthy behaviors and make Indiana a healthier place for families and businesses to prosper.” The average tax on cigarettes is $1.88 and the Alliance is asking for $2. Research shows the younger smokers (18 to 24) did slow down in purchasing cigarettes, but it did not deter the lower income smokers. For the latter group, this may be their only source of relaxation.
Raising taxes on cigarettes may deter young smokers or someone who is not addicted to smoking, but it will not stop a person who has smoked for years. People smoke for many reasons, one being to reduce stress. And today we have a lot of stress everywhere – just look at the damaged economy because of the “pandemic.” It’s enough to make you smoke or drink away your stress.
I do not support a tax on cigarettes. Tax the unhealthy sugary drinks.
Mari Briggs
Sheridan
A friend who smokes is going to Australia. I don’t know why I looked but check out the cost of a pack there, $48.50. They have raised the tax 12.5% every year since 2013.
“ Successive tax hikes from April 2010 have pushed the price of cigarettes higher, with today’s hike meaning a 25 pack of Marlboro Gold cigarettes will cost $48.50, while the average 20 pack will cost around $35.”
No tax to deter an at-risk population of becoming addicted & join the smoking lifers, reason being that their only source of relaxation may be smoking – OK, got It.
Perhaps we should consider supporting the reinstating of smoking on airplanes ?
‘They’ say such practice was very relaxing & an effective method of reducing the stress associated with air travel.
Bonus – one would be able to remove their mask to indulge without reprisal.