Jump to full article: Mississippi Press, 2008-03-26
Intro: The initial meeting of Gov. Haley Barbour's tax study group was less than impressive.
The group of about 30 met Monday and turned away several spectators. The Associated Press reported the governor's staff notified journalists about the meeting, but some people were told the meeting was closed to the public. The governor said future meetings will be open to the public.
One criticism of the Barbour-named committee is it doesn't represent a broad spectrum of Mississippi's citizens. The AP reported the members include directors of Mississippi Manufacturers Association, the National Federation of Independent Businesses and the Mississippi Economic Council.
Barbour told reporters the group is "tilted toward taxpayers." . . .
Is an extra $1 a pack tax on cigarettes fair? Probably not. But it is the right thing to do if it is only an attempt to reduce the number of smokers and potentially save lives.
The tax study group should take another look at the tobacco tax.
Jump to full article » |