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Tobacco tax increase tolls students [audio slideshow]
Erin Smith
Issue date: 4/7/09 Section: News
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Amid the hard-hitting economic recession, many CSU students say they support a recent federal tax increase on tobacco products, but those who smoke add that they aren't happy to be paying more for cigarettes.
The 62-cent tax increase went into effect last Wednesday, and brings the total federal tax on one pack of cigarettes to $1.01, the largest federal increase ever.
"I know they're bad for me, so I don't mind the disincentive," said Greg Diamond, an employee for Schrader's Country Store, a gas station across from CSU campus on College Avenue and Locust Street.
Cigarettes have gone up to around $5 a pack for some brands at Schrader's.
Diamond said that his customers have not been taking the increase well, but hasn't seen a decrease in tobacco customers.
"They hate it, but sales are the same." Diamond said.
And some students are saying the same thing.
"I like them, so I'll pay the price," said William Overmann, a junior political science major. Overmann said he smoked for a year and quit, and now smokes occasionally.
The tax increase will help fund the Children's Health Insurance Program, a state and federal partnership that provides health coverage to families and children who are uninsured.
"(Smoking is) a very bad choice, and to tax it is going to give you two benefits: less smokers and more income." said Benjamin Walker, a junior political science major.
Alex Samole, a junior natural resource, recreation and tourism major, said that the tax encourages people to quit or never start in the first place.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
debias
posted 4/07/09 @ 9:10 AM MST
This article makes me want to barf.
Let me paraphrase:
"Oh Obama we love you, we would never question your brilliance, nor even mention your name when you're behind a questionable tax increase. (Continued…)
Theresa
posted 4/07/09 @ 10:00 AM MST
Did anyone else notice that NONE of the tax increases are actually for tobacco education, health problems related to smoking, cleaning up after smokers, etc. (Continued…)
jimmy
posted 4/07/09 @ 9:22 PM MST
In case you did not notice they DO tax all of those items... LMAO!
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