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Study: cigarette taxes 'disproportionately burden' the poor
WOWK ^ | September 19, 2012

Posted on 09/19/2012 6:55:32 PM PDT by SMGFan

ated: Sep 19, 2012 9:57 AM EDT HEALTHDAY NEWS - New research finds that high cigarette taxes take a heavy toll on low-income smokers, compared to those who are wealthier.

In a study, researchers at RTI International found that poor smokers in New York state -- which has the country's highest state cigarette tax at $4.35 a pack -- spent about 25 percent of their household income on cigarettes. Nationally, the average spending was about 14 percent.

By contrast, the richest smokers nationwide and in New York spent about 2 percent of their household income on cigarettes.

"Excise taxes are effective in changing smokers' behavior," study author Matthew Farrelly, chief scientist and senior director of RTI's public health policy research program, said in an RTI statement. "But not all smokers are able to quit, and low-income smokers are disproportionately burdened by these taxes."

Despite the high taxes in New York state, the study found that the percentage of people with incomes under $25,000 who smoked didn't decline from 2003-2004 to 2009-2010.

"Special efforts are needed to reduce smoking among those with low incomes," Farrelly said. "States, especially New York, generate significant revenue from cigarette taxes, but only a small percentage of that money is used for tobacco control programs. It seems only fair that states with high cigarette taxes should adequately fund cessation interventions for low-income smokers who shoulder a disproportionate share of cigarette taxes."

The researchers relied on surveys of more than 13,000 people.

The study, funded by New York State Health Department, appeared Sept. 12 in the journal PLoS One.


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Government
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To: Gabz

That is not the way I understand it Gabz but the wider point is that divide and conquer taxation is a slippery slope.

I would NEVER yoke my fellow man with disproportionate taxation.


41 posted on 09/19/2012 7:55:26 PM PDT by mylife (The Roar Of The Masses Could Be Farts)
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To: Gabz
Fuel thing is true. Especially at the state level. You will pay the road tax.

4000 sq ft of tobacco is plenty for this household.

/johnny

42 posted on 09/19/2012 7:56:36 PM PDT by JRandomFreeper (Gone Galt)
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To: mylife

Yeah its like the old pinball machines. Everyone of us does something objectionable that the nanny-state will seek to correct, whether it be barbecueing, hunting, enjoying a cigar, eating fish, 4-wheeling, eating bacon, drinking soda, eating french fries, driving old cars, having too many children, and on and on.

We’ll all go down the slot eventually.

Time to stop this crap NOW!


43 posted on 09/19/2012 7:58:27 PM PDT by One Name
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To: One Name

Michelly O can kiss my royal Irish Arse!!


44 posted on 09/19/2012 7:59:58 PM PDT by mylife (The Roar Of The Masses Could Be Farts)
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To: One Name

I agree.


45 posted on 09/19/2012 8:01:48 PM PDT by mylife (The Roar Of The Masses Could Be Farts)
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To: One Name

Let me put back my liberal hat.
From 53% tax, Poor gets foodstamp, they buy cigarettes and they pay tax on cigarette. That tax money will be used on little poor kids. More teachers get hired, they demand more from 53% for pension and parties.
And eventually, they VOTE FOR DEMOCRATS.

And 53% work more and smarter to earn more money to support future DEMOCRAT VOTERS.


46 posted on 09/19/2012 8:02:12 PM PDT by jennychase
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To: mylife

What happened to FREEDOM?

Are FREEPERS blinded?

If it’s not a codified crime- then you as a FREE CITIZEN should be able to pursue the activity without penalty- subject only to the FREE MARKETPLACE.

Did I miss something??


47 posted on 09/19/2012 8:05:56 PM PDT by One Name
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To: mylife
I totally agree with you on the divide and conquer taxation issue, no question there. But I also know I do not have to pay any tax on tobacco I grow for personal consumption. "Personal consumption" is the key phrase - and that is why it is limited to 1/10th an acre per property owner.

I would NEVER yoke my fellow man with disproportionate taxation.

That has always been my position, however far too many FReepers have cheered on for higher tobacco and alcohol taxes because they don't like smokers and drinkers that I no longer give a rat's rear end if they get taxed on something they enjoy. I will fight against those taxes - but enjoy laughing at the nanny state lovers who claim to be conservatives here on FR who are now reaping what they sowed by calling for higher taxes on those of us who enjoy things they don't.

48 posted on 09/19/2012 8:08:54 PM PDT by Gabz (Democrats for Voldemort.)
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To: All

I really like ciggies, cigars, beer, fast cars, motorcycles, rib eye steaks, chili dawgs, peach ice cream, firearms, wild women.
Quite mornings on the porch sipping coffee.

Who’s bushiness is it?


49 posted on 09/19/2012 8:09:28 PM PDT by mylife (The Roar Of The Masses Could Be Farts)
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To: One Name
Are FREEPERS blinded?

Many are. Especially when it comes to their pet peeve.

They are nanny-state folks that seek solutions from the great teat of mama government. Unless their ox gets gored.

Freedom doesn't enter into it, for many. They will tell you that freedom is over-rated, and if people were free, they would do self-destructive things.

/johnny

50 posted on 09/19/2012 8:09:59 PM PDT by JRandomFreeper (Gone Galt)
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To: jennychase
1% should subsidize cigarettes for poor.

Um, no. Those evil smokers subsidize free healthcare for illegal aliens. Those taxes are "for the children".

51 posted on 09/19/2012 8:11:36 PM PDT by MileHi ( "It's coming down to patriots vs the politicians." - ovrtaxt)
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To: All

reminds me of the DC traffic violation cameras. They had a few pilot programs with cameras on the outskirts, mainly on commuter routes to get the outsiders. The locations had nothing to do with safety, it was just a revenue gimmick. Then they rolled it out to the entire city a little at a time, focusing on the more affluent areas. Then they placed cameras in locations where they were truly about safety, like areas and neighborhoods that have speeding problems and school zones.
Now we hear that locals are upset that the fines are too high and residents can’t afford to pay them. They want to review the program. Oh really.

First, it’s okay to ding the other guy with fines/taxes because it’s not me.. yea, it’s okay to hit the guy across the street because he’s “rich” and the money helps me.. Now I’m getting taxed and fined, wha, wait lets rethink this..


52 posted on 09/19/2012 8:11:52 PM PDT by newnhdad (Where will you be during the Election Riots of 2012/2013?)
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To: JRandomFreeper

Just wait until they tax YOUR vice.”

Don’t you realize that there are always some who have absolutely no vices, are wonderful parents and perfect people.


53 posted on 09/19/2012 8:11:57 PM PDT by Grams A (The Sun will rise in the East in the morning and God is still on his throne.)
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To: jennychase

Lets tax fat people, then.

I know things some things are bad for us. Make it a crime, then, by representative government and fair vote. Otherwise, get the hell out of the way. This is a FREE COUNTRY.

Don’t be blinded by what is “best” for us- that’s a never-ending slope, FRiend.


54 posted on 09/19/2012 8:13:46 PM PDT by One Name
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To: Grams A
S'ok... I'm working out a tax for them...

/johnny

55 posted on 09/19/2012 8:14:45 PM PDT by JRandomFreeper (Gone Galt)
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To: Gabz

Well I may have to plant a crop!

Its easy to cure (I like turkish blend)

What do you use to cut it with?
They don’t make those general store/farm tools anymore.

Good for you for realizing that Gov is pitting citizen against citizen on taxation, as well as everything else under the sun..


56 posted on 09/19/2012 8:14:49 PM PDT by mylife (The Roar Of The Masses Could Be Farts)
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To: newnhdad

Correct. even though in this article it is portrayed as a tax on the poor.

The point is that taxes are often justified by dividing us, and that plain stinks.

Then on top of of all the streets still need repair.
We have no time to bring the bill collector to account because he has us bickering amongst ourselves.


57 posted on 09/19/2012 8:23:04 PM PDT by mylife (The Roar Of The Masses Could Be Farts)
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Then on top of of all ‘that’ the streets still need repair.


58 posted on 09/19/2012 8:26:27 PM PDT by mylife (The Roar Of The Masses Could Be Farts)
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To: dartuser; CodeToad

Gee,you folks ought to start a “We are perfect humans” ping list.

Don’t put me on it though——too many imperfections.

.


59 posted on 09/19/2012 8:28:07 PM PDT by Mears
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To: SMGFan

“Excise taxes are effective in changing smokers’ behavior,”

This is what I find offensive.
The Gov using taxation as behavioral modification in a FREE country.


60 posted on 09/19/2012 8:28:17 PM PDT by mylife (The Roar Of The Masses Could Be Farts)
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