Viewpoints
Proposed cigarette tax
by Marya Tyler
April 27, 2004
Tuesday
Dear SitNews,
Quitting smoking is one of the hardest things anyone could ever
do. The average smoker tries eight times before successfully
quitting tobacco. Most smokers (84%) say they wish they could
quit.
This week the state legislature is determining the success or
failure of a tax increase that could help thousands of Alaskans
quit smoking. It is estimated that by raising the cigarette tax
one dollar, 4,500 Alaskans will be emboldened to quit smoking.
That means they will have more money-- more money for their families,
more money for the dinner table.
Furthermore, the proposed cigarette tax increase is expected
to reduce youth smoking by 15%.
When smokers quit, it benefits all of us. Currently, each pack
of cigarettes that is sold costs you, the taxpayer, $6.38 in
Medicaid costs.
This issue is being decided this week. If you have an opinion
about this issue, email Representative_Bill_Williams@legis.state.ak
or call 800-301-2455 and leave a message.
Marya Tyler
E-mail: mtyler@peacehealth.org
Ketchikan, AK - USA
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