Jump to full article: Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, 2007-03-19
Intro: The official demise in the Legislature last week of the cigarette/food tax swap won't - and shouldn't - be the last word on the subject.
One senator, Finance Committee chairman Tommy Robertson, R-Moss Point, blocked the House-passed bill from being considered by the committee and the full Senate. Robertson's obstructionism came in the face of strong sentiment in the Senate and widespread public support for the measure. . . .
Voters have the opportunity to make their voices heard during the upcoming legislative and statewide campaign season by asking candidates where they stand on the issue. Those incumbents who have previously indicated support for raising the cigarette tax and lowering the grocery tax should be asked to reaffirm that support. Challengers should be on the record as well.
This is an issue that affects, literally, every Mississippian in multiple ways. Lower-income people are hit hardest by our high grocery tax, but we all buy food. About a quarter of Mississippians smoke, but we all pay for the public health care costs brought on by tobacco use.
The current situation is inequitable and unjust, and changing it should remain high on the public agenda. Campaign time is the right time to keep it in the forefront.
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