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Increase in Cigarette Tax Still a Possibility Save Email Print
Posted: 5:55 PM Jan 17, 2008
 Last Updated: 5:55 PM Jan 17, 2008
 Reporter: The Associated Press
Email Address: news@wsaz.com
34 comments
A | A | A

Given Kentucky's lean budget situation, some lawmakers around the Capitol are considering a plan to raise the cigarette tax.

House Speaker Jody Richards says he'd rather lawmakers look at
raising the cigarette tax than cut funding for education.

Still, the plan has an uphill climb.

Richards, a Bowling Green Democrat, says he knows there's support for a hike. He's just not sure how much.

Senate Majority Floor Leader Dan Kelly says there's little support for raising any taxes in the Republican-led chamber.

Governor Steve Beshear, a Democrat, has also said he opposes
raising taxes. Beshear, who favors raising money for the state by
legalizing casino gambling, says the state is facing a fiscal crisis this year and in the near-future.
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Posted by: Grayson on Jan 22, 2008 at 11:33 AM
Comparing cigs to medication is even funnier.
Posted by: I AGREE WITH I WONDER! on Jan 22, 2008 at 10:34 AM
All you people have someone to target right now, because it is your opinion...maybe you should waste your energy bad mouthing drunk drivers...maybe that will get you somewhere..Im not being sarcastic but smoking is something that is going to stick around, and what extremes will people to go to get them?
Posted by: RoaneCo. on Jan 21, 2008 at 09:06 AM
To Grayson. Where in my post did I say anything about smoking/nonsmoking laws? My point is the TAX!! Anytime a large tax is placed on certain items, like tobacco, I feel this is discrimination. Why should one group of citizens be singled out to pay more of a tax than any other group. But thats ok, I'll just keep paying more taxes than people who don't smoke. Maybe the government will take all that extra money from taxes that I pay and buy you some aspirin for your headache. Oh wait a minute, I got an idea!!! Lets put a $2.00 tax on aspirins. Yea that seems fair, anybody that has a headache is a burden on our government and it citizens so we should charge them a bigger tax on a product they may choose to use.
Posted by: Bill on Jan 21, 2008 at 03:49 AM
This started as a tax to fund education in Ky.Now will someone please tell me why I should pay for your children to go to school.
Posted by: i wonder.... on Jan 21, 2008 at 02:28 AM
Im still wondering why everyone bashs smoking and yet they sell alcohol to people to go out and drive drunk and kill people . make alcohol so expensive that drunks cant afford it as well..
Posted by: Grayson on Jan 20, 2008 at 09:01 PM
Posted by: RoaneCo. Why don't we put a big tax on feminine products or african american hair products?Oh let me guess, that would be discrimination THAT is so funny. How do either of those products affect other people. Are you subjected to them when you walk into or out of a building? Are you forced to inhale them like you are cig smoke from people standing beside entrances smoking? If you want to smoke then do it in your own home or vehicle where other people are not forced to suffer because of your addictions. My husband and I are both allergic to cig smoke and suffer with headaches for hours when we are exposed to the stuff.
Posted by: bubba on Jan 20, 2008 at 07:49 PM
To Cabell: I don't smoke, but I'm with you, and I oppose the increase in cigarette taxes. In fact I think there should be no tax at all on cigarettes. P. S. OPENING SOON AT A LOCATION NEAR YOU. BUBBA'S HOME OXYGEN AND RESPIRATORY EQUIPMENT SALES.
Posted by: RoaneCo. on Jan 20, 2008 at 07:23 PM
Why don't we put a big tax on feminine products or african american hair products?Oh let me guess, that would be discrimination.
Posted by: To local undertaker on Jan 20, 2008 at 05:01 PM
Guess what sweet heart...you have a job you shouldn't complain But guess what all??? Smoking is never going away get used to it!
Posted by: To John on Jan 20, 2008 at 04:59 PM
Ok well I guess that you are calling more than half of the U.S. under educated...guess what? why is every 2 of 3 people alcholics have money??? Get over yourself and ways I don't smoke, but guess what is freedom honey!! Check ya later!
Posted by: John on Jan 20, 2008 at 04:13 PM
I hear a lot of smokers complain about their "smokers rights". I have never heard one say " I will not accept Medicare or Medicaid. I will provide my own insurance and pay for my own healthcare. I will take that RESPONSIBILITY myself. I will not be a dependant at the goverment nipple sucking Medicare/Medicaid dry." One has freedom only when they take responsibility. It is proven that smokers cost Medicare/Medicaid and insurance companies more. I don't want to pay for them anymore. maybe we should require a smoking liscense. So we will know who to refuse Medicare/Medicaid to. Those who want goverment healthcare. Beware if you smoke or are over ideal body size. They will refuse care then.
Posted by: bj on Jan 20, 2008 at 03:55 PM
my mother was 57 when she died from cigaretts i started when i was 13 i quit 5yrs ago and i feel so much better but i think u should be able to smoke in bars and resturants somking should be no differt than drinking they are both bad for you so i think if u want to smoke than that should be ur choice not a voters chioce.
Posted by: Janie on Jan 20, 2008 at 03:19 PM
As someone whose parents both died from smoking related illness and having a sister on a respirator from smoking and a brother with emphysema I hope they continue to raise the taxes so much on cigarettes that people who havent got the will power to quit on their own have no choice but to give them up because they can no longer afford them.
Posted by: MS on Jan 20, 2008 at 01:49 PM
It doesn't matter what you do in this state. They will tax you for breathing before long. We have taxes on cars, gas, food, ciggs, beer, household appliances, your house, your property, your pets, your bills, your gas, Even your petty wages are taxed. Your winnings on lottery is taxed. We West Virginia's are taxed more than any other state. And we are the lowest paying state. Except for your filthy politicians. DIDN'T WE FIGHT A WAR FOR THE GOVERNMENT TAXING US UNFAIRLY? (IT WAS CALLED THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR)!
Posted by: Cabell on Jan 20, 2008 at 01:37 PM
Those who don't smoke shouldn't have a comment. It DOES NOT involve you!
Posted by: HOPE on Jan 20, 2008 at 11:29 AM
IT IS SO FUNNY THAT IF YOU SMOKE OR ARE FAT YOU ARE A DOG! THE SMOKERS ALREADY PAY ENOUGH TAXES DON'T BELIEVE EVERYTHING THAT COMES FROM BUSH,CHENEY, GOV, DRS, GENERAL SURGEON HOMELAND SECURITY. REMEMBER WMD TRUE IT KILLS LOOK WHERE WE ALL ARE AT NOW TAKE BACK CONTROL LET FREEDOM RING!!!!!!!!!FOR ALL!!!!!!!!! GOV MUST BE MAD AT CIG COMPANY NOT GETING ENOUGH $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ BAD FOR YOUR HEALTH NOW TRYING TO TELL YOU WHAT TO EAT GUESS WHAT DEATH HAPPENS OVER HALF THE WORLD DOSE NOT HAVE HEALTH INSURANCE LIVE PEOPLE LIVE HELP STOP THE CONTROL IN ARE LIVES. WE PAY FOR THE RICH TO LIVE LIKE A ROCK STAR VOTE FOR RON PAUL...FREEDOM
Posted by: your local undertaker on Jan 20, 2008 at 11:29 AM
THANK YOU FOR SMOKING.
Posted by: John on Jan 20, 2008 at 11:23 AM
Ever notice how most, not all, smokers are lower income and of a lower education level?
Posted by: Bill on Jan 20, 2008 at 10:24 AM
I have asked becauwe I smoke why I should pay for everyone's children to go to school and no one has told me yet. Please explain!!!
Posted by: John on Jan 20, 2008 at 08:45 AM
I say keep taxing it . Maybe then , people will stop killing themselves as well as others. If you want to smoke, do it in your own house . Thats where it belongs .
Posted by: TO Kendall on Jan 20, 2008 at 01:09 AM
So you think just because you quit smoking you are high and almighty?? hahaha thats kind of funny-the thing about it is, it's a thing called freedom-get over yourself!
Posted by: John on Jan 19, 2008 at 09:24 PM
I have no problem at all with people smoking. I say let them smoke all hey want, as long as they are not on welfare, medicaid or any form of goverment assistance. Why pay for something that increases your need for healthcare. I don't want to pay for their addiction. People need to check into the medical device and pharmaceutical companies. I have made a nice income from their stock. Thank you smokers. Keep smoking. Can I light that up for you??
Posted by: tax payer on Jan 19, 2008 at 09:10 PM
To Kendell the way you think maybe youre one of them lawmakers ,just because you dont smoke just triple the taxes.Well just so happen I dont drive, lets see lets just raise gas to $9:00 a gal and put a toll booth on every road in this country an charge $2.00 for every time you pass it, and maybe they can just give people that smoke free smokes. Now after reading this I beleive Iam as dumb as you are.
Posted by: Diana on Jan 19, 2008 at 12:05 AM
My goodness Kendall, If everyone quits smoking what on earth would they raise the taxes on when thngs get tuff? Whatelse would you possibly blame for causing every case of cancer. Just curious.
Posted by: Dick on Jan 18, 2008 at 08:14 PM
Smokers pay too much in taxes. Most smokers are not going to quit because of taxes. We pay the tax by living less expensively: eat cheaper food, wear worn clothing, see few movies, drive less, avoid shopping, etc. The idea of a group trying to impose their will on another group through unfair taxation and regulations imposed by unelected county health officials violates the our rights to liberty and pursuit of happiness. The war on tobacco was begun by a few wealthy individuals holding sentiments like those of "Kendall", above. There are private crusaders and groups dispensing grants for hiring special state health employees with anti-tobacco agendas, funding those agendas, and providing anti-tobacco incentives at the state, county, and municipal levels. The first national second-hand smoke meta-study was so seriously manipulated and biased that it was later overturned by the courts, but the false information had already changed public opinion. The site www.forces.org says more.
Posted by: Bill on Jan 18, 2008 at 12:39 PM
To Kendall Sorry about your mother but how old was she? Also you didn't explain why I should pay for your children to go to school.
Posted by: Bill on Jan 18, 2008 at 12:32 PM
To Kendall How old was your mother? Also you did not explain why I should pay for your children to go to school.
Posted by: Leann on Jan 18, 2008 at 11:28 AM
This so funny once a smoker and then all the sudden quit and turn on them!! I am a smoker and a taxpayer If they would use the money appropriatly they wouldnt have to worry about raising or cutting any funds..The point is there must be more nonsmokers in congress than smoker and they want to take the easy way out. As far as it hurting anyone it should be up to the person smoking if they want to worry about there health or not!!!
Posted by: VR on Jan 18, 2008 at 09:20 AM
Just think about what the people who can not afford to buy their cigarettes now would resort to doing to get their cigarettes if they keep raising them!! Cigarettes are like a drug (which nicotine is a drug) and you become addicted!! There is enough drug crime without adding to the problem!! If people are going to smoke they will!! As far as taxes go, I know that at one point our school board had over $1 million dollars in surplus money!! What is the problem? Cut the unnecessary spending that the state is doing and that would help alot!! (For example, buying desks and office furniture, etc when there is absolutely nothing wrong with what they already have)!! It doesn't make sense!! I know they have done this for a fact! A judge ordered a new desk just because she wanted a new one! The old one looked new! Come on people, don't make matters worse they they already are!!!
Posted by: Kendall on Jan 18, 2008 at 07:24 AM
I think they should double the tax on ciggarettes . I am an ex-smoker . I smoked for 23 years and quit 3 months ago . Ciggarettes do absolutely no good they are only a drain on our economy . Not to mention the heartbreak it causes when loveones die . My mother died of cancer in 1991 and yes we were sad but she did it to herself smoking since she was a little girl . So yes double even triple the taxes on them whetever it takes to get people to quit .
Posted by: bill on Jan 18, 2008 at 03:57 AM
Will someone explain to me because I smoke why I need to pay fore your children to go to school?
Posted by: Charlie on Jan 17, 2008 at 11:22 PM
That's right every time they need money they turn to the smokers we are financing everything under the sun then when we try to light up everyone gets all huffy puffy. We can't even go to a bar or a restaurant to relax and indulge in one of our favorite past times its getting so we can't attend even something outdoors like a football game because they don't want smokers lighting up inside their facilities but the first thing they turn to when they are a little short on funds is the dreadful & second class citizens ,the smokers.
Posted by: nowhere on Jan 17, 2008 at 09:32 PM
Raising taxes again?? Lets talk about lowering gas prices if anything.
Posted by: Gary on Jan 17, 2008 at 06:27 PM
You lawmakers are nothing but a joke,How you all get voted back in office is beyond me.
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