Posted on 05/31/2002 8:51:29 AM PDT by Dan from Michigan
Edited on 05/07/2004 7:08:52 PM PDT by Jim Robinson. [history]
LANSING -- The state Senate overwhelmingly rejected a proposal to raise the cigarette tax Thursday, hours after Gov. John Engler threw his clout behind it.
The 29-8 vote against a 25-cents per pack tobacco tax increase means Engler and lawmakers will have to scramble next week to find other ways to balance the state budget.
(Excerpt) Read more at detnews.com ...
The 29-8 vote against a 25-cents per pack tobacco tax increase means Engler and lawmakers will have to scramble next week to find other ways to balance the state budget.
People who choose to smoke are damned tired of carrying the whole state. Its about time someone woke up to this. The anti's keep telling us that only the poor and uneducated smoke! Well, then, why highly tax those that can barely afford it!
Democrats voted "no," saying it's a levy on those least able to afford it. Many preferred delaying rollbacks in the state income and business taxes, which would pump more than $200 million into the budget.
DEMOCRATS? Go figure! You mean our "own kind" are turning against us?
Tobacco lobbyists who have been fighting the trend across the country say it's unfair to single out smokers to bolster dwindling budgets. And local store owners say additional taxes hurt their sales.
All across the US the lawmakers are raising cigarette taxes sky-high to balance their budgets. We are TIRED of carrying the states! TAX Alcohol! Tax ANYthing. But leave us alone!
All smokers want is for Big Government to butt out of our lives. What smokers want is for Big Government to stop the bans, the restrictions and the huge taxes imposed upon us.
Tobacco is LEGAL!
OMG!!! Can I get this guy to represent me too? Such profound logic is truly rare among our elected 'representitives'.
He's also pro-2a and someone I consider a friend.
Yikes! Is that even legal? I mean, doesn't Michigan have some sort of enlightened constitutional provision that all spending sprees that result is a revenue shortfall must be addressed by hikes in tobacco and alcohol taxes? My God, the shame you must feel.
Engler's first two terms were good. In fact, the first person I voted for was Engler. But I do not recognize the John Engler in their now. He's not the same anti-tax warrior he was in 1993.
Will Wonders Never Cease? Oh my gosh,I really can't believe an elected official actualy said this out loud.I'm so glad to see this happening.(at least in Michigan)God knows,no elected official in Calif. has the gumption to state such a fact!
Not for long.
This is why term limits have such appeal. New office holders arrive with the desires of their constituients fresh in their minds. Then, day after day, hearing after hearing, all they hear is from those that want something. Opponents to spending don't have the time to debate every new initiative. Hearings are dominated by advocates 20-1, 50-1, 100-1. The cost-benefit ratio always favors those who want the money so they fight for it. So taxpayer becomes the frog in the slowly heating pot, oblivious as we slowly boil to death.
Then crap happens and they have to make a grab for more of your money. You say, "Wait a minute, I didn't budget for that. I've got all my income tied up in housing, food, insurance, transportation, clothing, etc."
They say, "Cut something, we need the cash."
You say, "You cut."
As far as I can tell, these guys never, ever ask themselves, "How are the folks at home going to come up with the extra dough."
All tax increases need super majority votes in a referundum. I'd support 65% to pass.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.