Tobacco.org

NOTHDURFT: Top Ten Reasons Not to Raise Tobacco Taxes 

Smokers have become a favorite target of many legislators across the country. Some policymakers seem to think taxing smokers is a win-win way to curb smoking and raise revenue, without hurting the economy. . . .

The hypocrisy surrounding tobacco taxes doesn't end there. Moreover, they are not the boon many people believe them to be, for the following 10 reasons.

1. They are regressive . . .

The use of targeted tax increases serves only to push sound fiscal policies and real budget reforms to the public policy back burner. Legislators concerned with the public health effects of tobacco should encourage the use of readily available smoking cessation products and services, instead of supporting bad tax policy. . . .